How to prevent burnout while fostering ambition

When Co-Op Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq finished her master’s degree, she called her dad, a geophysicist, to tell him the good news. As she recently recalled on the BBC’s Desert Island Discs, “The first thing he said to me was, ‘Congratulations… when are you getting your PhD?’”  

Children of all ages may be familiar with this kind of response from their parents – but Khoury-Haq says it proved inspirational; striving ever harder clearly paid off for her. Yet, as mental health practitioners warn, constantly pushing yourself can also lead to burn out if you’re not careful. And the UK is fast becoming what Brian Dow, the CEO of Mental Health UK, has described as “a burnt-out nation.” 

A recent Mental Health UK report has shown that one in five workers needed time off in the past year due to stress-related poor mental health, citing everything from bad sleep quality to financial worries and heavy workloads. According to the poll, the cost of living has resulted in 38% of workers taking on additional work, while nearly one in three (31%) said bullying from colleagues had also taken a toll.  

The PR profession still faces significant challenges when it comes to levels of stress and supporting the wellbeing of colleagues. According to the CIPR Mental Health Audit of 2023-24, nine out of 10 public relations professionals had experienced poor mental health at some point in the previous year, with 58% of those citing workload stress as a significant contributing factor. 

Add to this, anxieties around climate change, AI, and the state of the world in general, and it’s easy to see why the workforce is feeling so hopelessness. 

As Dow says, “We urgently need… a national conversation about how we can best help people to stay in or return to work, given the positive impact secure employment has on mental health. Part of this will involve looking at how employers can better spot and manage stress before it becomes burnout.”  

So, how can leaders prevent burnout – while still fostering positive levels of ambition and drive? Here are seven key strategies… 

1. De-toxifying the workplace 

Is your workplace a toxic environment, leading to low team morale and productivity? Leaders should focus on creating an atmosphere of openness and fairness, with challenges that contribute to team growth and confidence, as opposed to those that overwhelm and exhaust with their unrealistic demands. Leaders should also ensure that the organisation walks it like it talks it, as consistency between values and actions reduces confusion and tension. 

2. Be thankful 

When employees are properly credited for their contributions, they’re more likely to stay focused and dedicated. So, whether it’s a simple ‘thank you’ or a formal acknowledgment in a meeting, a sincere recognition of good work can boost morale and cultivate a sense of respect among employees. This not only prevents toxicity, but also cultivates a space in which teamwork thrives and individuals feel allowed to excel, in a workplace culture where team members know they’re appreciated and are motivated to perform their best. 

3. The power of we 

Encouraging collaboration among different teams can help create a vibrant workplace, allowing team members to bring their unique skills to the table while promoting inclusivity, diversity and mutual respect. In such a culture, employees can freely exchange ideas, seek feedback, and cooperate on solutions that best leverage their strengths – which further promotes unity, helping everyone to understand the organisation’s goals better. 

4. Autonomy is key 

Permit team members to set their own work hours, within limits, or choose how to approach their projects. When employees have control, they feel empowered, avoiding a sense of being micromanaged. This autonomy boosts confidence, enhances motivation, and increases productivity, as feeling trusted and valued will encourage them to give their all. 

5. Owning it 

By encouraging employees to try out new things and take risks without worrying about failure reduces anxiety and boosts work satisfaction. And by supporting and valuing these new ideas – even when they don’t always work out – leaders can help generate a positive workspace in which team members are inspired to explore innovative solutions and push themselves further. It also builds resilience, as they can learn from their setbacks. 

6. Shared goals 

Celebrating milestones can boost morale and nurture a positive team spirit, leading to greater engagement. Other activities such as team-building events, shared meals or informal gatherings outside work can also strengthen bonds and employee camaraderie, making work more enjoyable and supportive. 

7. Nature breaks 

Spending time outdoors, especially in nature, has proven benefits for mood, creativity, and cognitive function. Numerous studies have shown that activities such as walking in forests or spending time in urban parks can lower heart rates and improve moods more effectively than urban walks. Nature exposure has also been linked to increased happiness, kindness, reduced brooding – and enhanced problem-solving abilities. So, incorporating regular nature breaks into employees’ weekly schedules can significantly improve their mental and physical well-being, helping to alleviate stress and inspire fresh ideas. 

Visit the CIPR website for support to help you manage your mental health and embed wellbeing in your workplace.

Ali Catterall is an award-winning writer, journalist and filmmaker whose writing has featured in the Guardian, Time Out, GQ, Film4, Word magazine and the Big Issue, among many others.