What do you do if your colleagues in brand strategy are burnt out and need support?

As my amazing manager at my former company Symantec taught me, it’s important to be awesome to work with no matter your role or your personal brand. In other words, make being awesome to work with part of your personal brand.

One thing i learned during the lockdown era: always ask *twice* how people are doing. The first one will be an automated response (yeah fine/busy/ticking along). The second one often is closer to the truth, because it's awkward to answer the same thing again. This doesn't need to be confrontational, it's just a simple act of compassion and honest connection. And it's possible folks won't want to acknowledge lots of things at first, but the more you normalise it, the easier it gets. Something else that i find useful is, if you have regular check ins with this person, use that time to discuss blockers, vs just getting a status update. "Where are the issues, and how can i help get rid of them?" is an extremely powerful question.

As a Brand Strategist, it's crucial to recognize the signs of burnout among colleagues in the team. Burnout manifests as emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion due to prolonged stress, which can lead to disengagement, missed deadlines, and decreased work quality. It's essential not to overlook these signs and dismiss them as mere fatigue. Acknowledging your colleague's struggle is the initial step towards supporting them in regaining their balance and reigniting their passion for their work.

Never underestimate the importance of checking in. It can be a life saviour in some cases. Eveyrone has off days, but when you see a colleague having increased changes in all types of signs being their usual standards, deadlines, just general attention something might be off. If the colleague doesn't want to share or maybe doesn't realize he/she is in that state a word of care and worry to the manager might trigger help mechanisms to safeguard that person.

One lesson from psychotherapy (which i did for 4+ years and recommend to anyone) is that sometimes people want to be listened to, not just 'solved for'. This in true in personal relationships, where you want to feel seen for the struggles you're going through. You want to feel validated in your experience. And sometimes, by jumping to answers, this has the paradoxical effect not not feeling validating, but feeling patronising. Which results in emotional shut down. And it's most definitely true in some work scenarios. There are things we simply cannot solve, or not yet. But the amount of times people will just say, "thank you for listening to me", shows it can make a huge difference.

As a Brand Strategist, initiating an open and empathetic dialogue with a burnt-out colleague is crucial. Approach them with genuine concern and empathy, creating a safe space for them to share their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment. Active listening is key during this conversation, as it allows you to understand their specific stressors and challenges. While immediate solutions may not be available, showing your support and willingness to understand their situation can be incredibly valuable in helping them navigate through their burnout.

In certain cases, having an honest chat where care is the primary concern, not performance, can make all the difference. I remember when I experienced my first burnout, and the signs were not evident to me at all. I assumed it was just tiredness from pushing harder during the pandemic. It took a heartfelt one-on-one with a colleague for me to understand that the problem was deeper than I had thought. Now, this isn't a surefire recipe, but knowing that there is someone available to listen to you can make a complete difference

As someone who supported a colleague experiencing burnout (I prefer not to use this term), implementing flexible scheduling was critical to facilitating their recovery. During my tenure at one agency, we implemented a tailored approach to flexible scheduling to support our colleague. This included allowing them to adjust their work hours based on their energy levels and needs. We encouraged the team to collaborate by redistributing workload and deadlines, ensuring that our colleague felt supported without compromising team objectives whilst creating the feeling of a support network. Additionally, we introduced regular check-ins to assess their progress and ensure that the colleague felt he could take as long as needed to recover.

As a Brand Strategist, advocating for flexible scheduling can be a practical way to support a burnt-out colleague. This could involve adjusting deadlines, offering remote work options, or temporarily reducing their work hours if feasible. The goal is to alleviate immediate pressure and provide them with the space needed to recover without feeling overwhelmed by their workload or schedule. Collaborating with your team and management to find a balance that supports productivity while prioritizing your colleague's well-being is essential in this process.

As a Brand Strategist, supporting a burnt-out colleague can involve encouraging their professional development. Burnout can sometimes stem from feeling stagnant or unchallenged in one's role. By suggesting opportunities for workshops, webinars, or new projects aligned with their interests and strengths, you can help reignite their passion for brand strategy. Providing avenues for professional growth can offer a sense of progress and motivation, allowing them to rediscover their enthusiasm for their work.

As a Brand Strategist, fostering a supportive team environment is paramount when a colleague is experiencing burnout. Encouraging the team to come together to support their struggling member through redistributing workloads, offering assistance, or simply being there to listen can make a significant difference. It's essential for the individual to feel supported and not alone in facing their challenges. Building a culture of support within the team not only benefits the individual but also strengthens the team's resilience and cohesion as a whole.

As a Brand Strategist, promoting a focus on overall wellness can play a crucial role in preventing and alleviating burnout. Encouraging your colleague to prioritize their health by taking breaks, engaging in physical activity, or practicing mindfulness techniques can make a significant difference. A healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term success in any career, particularly in a dynamic field like brand strategy. Supporting your colleague in taking care of themselves is a vital part of helping them through their burnout.

When your colleagues in brand strategy are feeling burnt out, it's like seeing a friend struggle – you want to be there for them in any way you can. Take the time to sit down with them, listen to their worries, and offer a comforting shoulder. Encourage them to take breaks, maybe even suggest going for a walk together or grabbing a coffee. Remind them that their well-being matters, and it's okay to take a step back and recharge. Sometimes, just knowing they have your support can make all the difference in the world.