We’ve all read articles about burnout and how to identify it, but few ever discuss how to overcome it. In 2023, I experienced my first major blowout at work. I wasn’t feeling myself when I was assigned another task. I tried to share the project with another team member, but my boss denied my request. At the time, my boss was unaware of the workload I had accumulated by being with the team the longest and taking on the most responsibilities.

During a one-on-one meeting with them shortly after, I lost my composure. I blacked out and essentially lost my usual positive and bubbly personality. My boss, who knew me very well, noticed the change in my demeanor — leading to our collaborating on ways to prevent this from happening again. I have also been going through coaching, and my coach provided some resources to help me recognize my burnout.

Now that I’ve overcome burnout, I’m committed to preventing my team members from experiencing the same. O.W.N. is a simple acronym to help anyone, including leaders, overcome burnout. The acronym stands for

• Open up
• Wellness comes first!
• Notice and acknowledge

I like the acronym because the word “own” can also mean to be in control of oneself, both internally and externally.

Start by Opening Up

Create a culture of openness by checking in with your colleagues — genuinely ask how they’re really doing today. Make it a regular habit to discuss not just your own workload capacity, but to ask your team about theirs too. Are you and your teammates feeling present and focused? Do they have the right headspace to engage in today’s meetings?

That’s a great time to assess how your team is feeling. If someone is facing a mountain of work, consider whether it’s better for one person to spend two full workdays tackling it — on top of other major deadlines — or if it makes more sense to divide the task among the team. Sometimes, collaboration is the fastest way to protect both productivity and well-being.

Wellness Comes First!

It’s better to arrive at work feeling your best than your worst. Make sure to incorporate wellness into your daily routine. There are many ways to do this. For example, one of our team members finds that video games are a great way to take a mental break. Personally, I enjoy a good walk outside to get some fresh air and exercise. And of course, we make sure to eat! No one should skip meals, as it can leave you feeling exhausted and unproductive.

Notice and Acknowledge the People Around You

I challenge myself once a week to send a gratitude note. I thank a team member for something they did for the team or work they assisted me with — or I acknowledge their expertise or the time they spent on a project. This weekly exercise has not only shifted my mindset but also my fellow team members! Now, I notice that the team is mimicking this practice in their own way. It doesn’t have to be elaborate to be impactful; it can be a simple thank you. Create a more positive environment — make work a happier place one acknowledgment at a time!

Have Fun

One last bonus that isn’t part of the OWN acronym is just to make the workplace fun. At the heart of our team culture is connection — and a bit of creativity. We love playing with words and themes to bring some fun into our routines. For example, we’ve nicknamed our days of the week: Techy Tuesday is when we tackle all things tech, Meeting Prep Monday gets us ready for the week ahead, and Baby Friday is our playful way of welcoming the weekend vibe a little early.

Less Burnout, Greater Retention

Every person on our team has been with the organization for a while, and I truly believe that’s because we prioritize not reaching burnout. As leaders, the last thing we want is for our team to hit a breaking point.

I hope that O.W.N helps as a simple reminder to check in with ourselves and others. Paired with the bonus tip, have fun, we hope it gives individuals and leaders a practical and thoughtful way to stay energized and connected at work.