In this episode, we explore burnout, not simply as a personal issue, but as a warning signal within a business. We discuss how sustained workplace stress, whether you're a business owner or part of a team, often reflects structural challenges such as unclear priorities, insufficient delegation, or an overloaded operating model.

Drawing on frameworks like the World Health Organisation’s definition of burnout and Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory, we look at how decision fatigue, lack of delegation, and unrealistic expectations all contribute to sustained emotional and physical exhaustion. We also talk about the power of peer groups, journaling, and designing your ideal week to regain control, clarity, and resilience.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Intro & Firepit Storytime00:04:17 – Intro to Burnout: Why It Matters Now

00:08:00 – What Burnout Really Is (And What It Isn’t)

00:10:00 – Why Business Owners Are Especially at Risk

00:13:10 – Common Causes: Overload, Delegation & Decision Fatigue

00:17:00 – Burnout in Teams: Motivation, Hygiene & Workplace Friction

00:22:00 – Recognising the Warning Signs

00:25:00 – Practical Strategies to Prevent and Recover from Burnout

00:32:50 – Final Thoughts & Episode Wrap-Up

Key Topics Discussed:

• Burnout as a sign of strain or flaws in the wider business model, not just an individual’s workload
• Decision fatigue and the danger of always being “the one who decides”
• The cost of not delegating effectively (and how to build systems that help)
• Understanding motivation vs. dissatisfaction in the workplace
• Small irritations (pebbles in the shoe) and their long-term impact on morale
• Using automation, KPI ownership, and peer accountability for strategic relief
• The importance of psychological safety and trust within your team

Who This Episode Is For:

This episode is for business owners, team leaders, and professionals in high-responsibility roles, particularly those feeling overwhelmed, stretched, or mentally fatigued. It’s also for HR, operations, and people-focused managers looking to support healthier team dynamics, stronger delegation, and a more resilient business model.

Quotes to Remember:

“If you can’t say no, you will burn out.”

“Work out what gives you energy, and make that the first thing you do each day.”

“Burnout isn’t just about doing too much, it’s about doing too much of the wrong things, for too long.”

Top Takeaways:

1. Design your ‘ideal week’ and block out non-negotiable time to work on the business, not just in it.
2. Build a stop list and be deliberate about what you say no to and communicate that clearly.
3. Delegate through systems and assign KPIs, automate routines, and create documentation to free up decision-making headspace.
4. Protect your energy and prioritise tasks that give you energy earlier in the day and set tech boundaries to reduce cognitive overload.
5. Join a peer group to gain regular, structured peer support can help you stay accountable, gain perspective, and avoid isolation.
6. Journal regularly; it doesn’t have to be daily, but reflection is a powerful tool for stress relief and decision clarity.

If you are interested in what Wellmeadow does, head to our website: https://www.wellmeadow.co.uk/

🎧 Listen on YouTube & Apple Music here: https://anchor.fm/wellmeadow

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