Here's how you can cultivate a support network to navigate burnout and maintain well-being in your career.

Creating a support network to combat burnout is crucial for career longevity and personal well-being. One effective method is to establish a 'Wellness Circle'—a group of colleagues, mentors, and professionals dedicated to sharing resources and strategies for stress management and emotional support. A client of mine has initiated monthly meet-ups with his circle, focusing on topics like mindfulness, time management, and professional growth, which significantly reduced his stress levels and enhanced his team's overall productivity. Prioritizing such connections can turn the tides on burnout, fostering a resilient and supportive workplace environment.

As a peer support team coordinator within my own organization, I fully support this as a means to navigating burnout and maintaining well-being. However, the selection of peer support team members is arguably the most important aspect of the team. Having people on the team who are not trusted with create a counter-productive initiative.

Acredito que para lidar com o burnout e manter o bem-estar na carreira, é importante cultivar uma rede de apoio entre colegas que entendem as press?es do meu papel. Esse suporte mútuo cria um senso de comunidade, promove a responsabiliza??o e fortalece a moral e a motiva??o. Amigos do trabalho que passam pelas mesmas situa??es oferecem conselhos práticos e empatia, ajudando a manter o equilíbrio e a resiliência necessários para enfrentar desafios e continuar progredindo na carreira.

Having work friends you can turn to is very important in feeling a sense of belonging and helping manage stressful times at work. Find colleagues who are your peers and invite them to lunch or for a quick get to know you meeting. Share your role & perhaps some of your challenges. Be sure this doesn't turn into complaining or talking about people behind their back. The goal is to have someone you can rely on to hear your challenges, celebrate your success, provide insights into your blockers and you can do the same for them. The relationship should energize you and not depress you with complaints!

Mentorship is a potent instrument for personal and professional development. A mentor experienced in leadership can share invaluable wisdom on navigating your career's intricacies. They can assist in recognizing early burnout signs, proposing coping strategies, and offering a wider outlook on work-life balance. Establishing a mentoring relationship grants access to a knowledge reservoir, significantly contributing to maintaining your well-being and fostering growth.

Professional networking groups, communities, peer groups, or mastermind types are a great way to foster a support, network, and navigate burnout, while maintaining well-being. In addition to joining communities, I have started my own recently, which has created similar opportunities with a bit of a creative lens, instead of joining an established group. If you have a strong group of peers to lean on internally, that's great, but remember that everything is temporary, and that group won't always be there. I have learned the hard way with so much focus on internal collaboration, while neglecting my external network for years, you must take an active role to be a part of something, and connect externally outside your company's four walls.

As a leader, you are responsible for developing a culture that addresses burnout. This starts with incorporating and prioritising self-care. Self-care can be approached from various angles - physical, emotional, mental, social or spiritual. Engage in regular mindfulness practices and physical activities. Make time for hobbies and take a break to recharge. It's all about boosting your energy. Embrace the power of delegation and trust your team, allowing you to focus on your own health. Seek mentorship and peer support to share experiences and advice. By promoting a culture of self-care and mutual support, you not only safeguard your well-being but also inspire your team to prioritise theirs, creating a resilient and thriving workplace.

Having your own personal "kitchen cabinet" - a group of trusted advisors - who you can trust to give you honest and compassionate feedback will help you to remain on track and continue towards a more healthy balance between work and life.

Avoiding burnout and maintaining well-being happens much more naturally with ongoing learning in a group setting. Through professional networking opportunities, you can often connect and learn simultaneously, knocking out both at one time, providing efficiency and meaningful connection. Ongoing learning is the spark many of us need and have yet to discover. It's quite easy to get in the rush of work and life, checking the learning box, until something hits you to wake you up. Learning isn't checking the box, it's never done, it's an ongoing journey, and if you embrace the joy and impact with intention, find your spot of interest to engage your mind, learning unlocks so many opportunities for your development and future career growth.