Troy and Jeremy’s vital conversation here today features Ben Schultz, Navigate's own People and Culture Lead, whose experience in building a "Great Place to Work" makes him the perfect guest to discuss burnout, a challenge so many face. This episode isn't just for those feeling the burnout crunch themselves - if you're a leader, a teammate, anyone who supports others, expect takeaways, truly. Let's get real about burnout.

Ben, Troy, and Jeremy are not skimming the surface here, they’re getting into the nitty-gritty of burnout in today's workplaces. How is it different from plain old stress? This episode breaks it down. Creating safety? Encouraging honest chats? Essential. And it's not all on the company, either. What about those external pressures, the financial worries, the family stuff? Those count too.

As you will hear, a holistic wellbeing program gets it. It acknowledges all sides of a person, not just their job title. Armed with these insights, our panel demonstrates how to create workplaces where wellbeing isn't a perk, but the very foundation in the battle against burnout.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - What Burnout Is and How It Differs From Workplace Stress

01:09 - Leadership’s Responsibility in Preventing Burnout

03:34 - Recognizing Early Signs of Burnout in Employees

06:09 - Building a Culture of Psychological Safety and Open Communication

07:16 - Empowering Managers With Training and Tools to Support Teams

10:00 - Growth, Development, and Career Pathways as Burnout Prevention

11:21 - Addressing Personal Stressors With Holistic Wellbeing Support

14:50 - Turning Employee Feedback Into Meaningful Action

17:28 - Consolidating Resources for Better Employee Access

18:37 - Implementing People-First Policies That Actually Work

22:32 - Recognition, Incentives, and Transparent Compensation

26:05 - Supporting Work-Life Balance Through Flexibility and Time Off

33:29 - Three HR Strategies to Combat Burnout

36:11 - Vest Day Ever

Key Takeaways:

"Burnout is an overwhelming feeling. Even the smallest tasks feel burdensome. It's a struggle to think creatively."

"Burnout isn't just workplace stress. It's a debilitating state of exhaustion affecting every life aspect."

"A culture that combats burnout must be led from the top down. It can't just be an HR initiative."

"Differentiate workplace stress from burnout. Stress is seasonal; burnout is ongoing and hard to define."

"Know your people. Everyone shows up differently. Recognize signs of burnout by understanding individual behaviors."

"Active listening and responding to employee concerns are crucial. Ensure they're heard and addressed."

"Managers must prioritize people over metrics. Support them with training, tools, and mentorship."

"Encourage growth and development. Understand what motivates employees and work with them for a successful work-life balance."

"Pulse surveys and open dialogue help identify potential issues before they escalate. Prioritize employee wellbeing."

"Recognition is key. Appreciate employees sincerely and thoughtfully. It builds a cohesive, motivated team."