How do I know if my employees are burnt out?

Short answer: the most common signs are persistent tiredness, cynicism or irritability, falling performance, more short absences and withdrawal in meetings. To be sure, use an anonymous validated questionnaire such as the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and look at results by team.

Signs managers can see

• Reliable people missing deadlines or making unusual mistakes.
• Irritability, cynicism about the work, clients or the company.
• Withdrawal: cameras off, quieter in meetings, fewer ideas.
• More short absences, often on Mondays or after peaks.
• Late-night messages and no real breaks.

How to confirm it

1. Run an anonymous, validated questionnaire (Copenhagen Burnout Inventory is free to use).
2. Report only for groups with at least 10 responses.
3. Combine with turnover and absence data you already have.

Signs are not a diagnosis. For an individual, the next step is a conversation and, if needed, a medical assessment. See how to talk to a burnt-out employee, how to measure employee wellbeing and how companies can prevent burnout.

Book a team burnout screening →