Burnout doesn’t always look like an impending collapse. More often, it creeps in quietly—masked by productivity, professionalism, and a packed calendar.
In fact, according to a new report from Alua, which surveyed digital creators and business professionals, burnout is often misidentified or dismissed entirely.
Their research highlights seven overlooked signs of burnout that may already be present in your team. You may also be feeling these impacts yourself.
The Real Risk to High Performers
High performers are particularly vulnerable. They tend to normalize chronic stress and dismiss red flags like sleep disruption, cynicism, or emotional fatigue as just part of the job.
They power through.
But in doing so, they slip deeper into a state that saps productivity, creativity and, eventually, well-being.
“When exhaustion becomes your default state and recovery periods no longer help you bounce back, that’s a serious red flag,” according to Alua. Their report notes that burnout-related fatigue often persists even after rest, and can be accompanied by headaches, lowered immunity, and decision fatigue.
Signs You Can’t Ignore
Another subtle sign: detachment.
If you or someone on your team who once brought passion to projects now seems distant, sarcastic, or indifferent, pay attention. “This detachment is your mind’s way of creating distance from a situation it perceives as harmful,” Alua notes.
For HR leaders and managers, the lesson is clear: Don’t wait for visible breakdowns before taking action. By the time someone calls in sick for a week or hands in their resignation, it’s too late.
Instead, look for changes in behavior—missed deadlines, emotional withdrawal, over-reliance on caffeine, or too much after-hours work. Create space for honest conversations and proactively support recovery, not just performance.
“Taking action when you notice these signs doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable,” Alua emphasizes. “In fact, addressing burnout head-on demonstrates emotional intelligence and self-awareness—qualities that ultimately make you more effective in your career, not less.”
Burnout isn’t a personal failure. It’s a workplace signal—and smart leaders are learning to listen sooner.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.