Are your team members burning out, and what can you do about it as a leader?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien gets real about the organisational cost of burnout and why it’s far more than an individual problem. Drawing from candid conversations and decades of corporate experience, Aoife unpacks the vital role leaders play in creating environments where teams don’t just survive, but actually thrive. She lays out practical, actionable strategies that managers can implement to prevent burnout across teams and departments, focusing on everything from workload boundaries and expectations to the power of recognition and aligning work with team members’ strengths.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

1. How you can set clear boundaries and help your team understand what’s most important and by defining quality standards for different tasks.
2. The importance of showing appreciation for both effort and results, and recognising behaviours aligned with company values.
3. Why burnout prevention is about changing culture, not quick fixes.
4. Are you relying on heroics? Do your people feel empowered? Are you supporting their strengths and unique contributions?

Related Topics Covered:

Psychological Safety, Autonomy, Expectations at Work

Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:

1. Website
2. LinkedIn
3. YouTube

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 241: Exploring the Phases of Burnout with Aoife O’Brien

Episode 245: Optimising Talent and Purpose at Work with Matt Poepsel

Episode 260: How to Make Work Meaningful with Zach Mercurio

About Happier at Work®

Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.

If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Mentioned in this episode:

Thriving Talent book

Book