How to Spot the Difference Between Burnout and Disengagement

Hello and welcome to Episode 298 of the People Powered Business Podcast!

Is your team member just going through a rough patch, or have they checked out entirely?

In this week’s episode of the People Powered Business Podcast, we’re diving into a topic that many business owners and leaders quietly wrestle with: how to tell the difference between burnout and disengagement in your team.

At first glance, burnout and disengagement can look almost identical. You might notice someone who’s normally reliable and upbeat suddenly becoming withdrawn, missing deadlines, or not showing the same drive they once did. But beneath the surface, these two experiences come from very different places. and require completely different responses from you as a leader.

In this episode, I walk you through clear, easy-to-understand definitions of both burnout and disengagement. We cover the key signs and symptoms to look out for, and why it’s essential to understand what’s really going on before you jump in with a solution. Because what helps someone who’s burnt out won’t help someone who’s disengaged, and vice versa.

I also share a simple, three-question diagnostic tool you can use to figure out what’s really happening. It will help you decide whether you’re looking at a team member who’s under stress and needs support, or someone who’s mentally checked out and needs a different kind of leadership response.

We also explore how burnout is often a result of prolonged stress, overwork or emotional exhaustion, while disengagement tends to stem from a lack of connection, meaning or motivation in the role. One is about depletion; the other is about disconnection.

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to figure out how to handle a team member who just isn’t showing up the way they used to, this episode will give you clarity, confidence and a practical next step.

Plus, I share strategies you can implement right away to address both burnout and disengagement. whether it’s adjusting workloads, re-engaging a team member in their role, or simply starting a powerful conversation that gets to the root of the issue.

Tune in now for a grounded, honest conversation about one of the most common leadership challenges. and why getting this right is essential for a healthy, high-performing team.

Links & Resources:

💬 DM Kristy-Lee on Instagram @kristy.lee.billett and let me know if you have questions about work from home entitlements or email me at [email protected]

An Invitation:

If you’d like to connect with other businesses who are also juggling the challenges of teams, I’d love you to join us inside our free Facebook Group, The People Powered Community, so I can learn more about what’s working for you and any challenges you might be having.

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