Here's how you can identify and address burnout in product marketing professionals.

Lack luster performance; Same products being handled, no creativity; Lack of new ideas or enthusiasm for scoping new products; Taking time off, more than usual.

Lack of engagement, taking time off - or not taking time off, repeated headaches/migraines, not being present in meetings consistently, and the look of being overwhelmed. In my experience I have seen these signs in team members, catching them early, having a discussion and making sure people are prioritizing their health and wellbeing is key.

Burnout can be physically and mentally devastating! The signs can be obvious or hidden for many reasons, fear of being fired, shame,lack of self-esteem and many others!

Communication is an art, not a skill. You can learn to recognize the signs need for an intervention, but how to approach depends on your relationship with the affected person. Sometimes an intermediary is required to open the person up before real healing/help can take place. As a boss, know your limitations and ask for help if you are unsure. You may only get one shot at this.

Remember, smart work starts with an effective start to the day. You will manage your workload as a PMM a lot better with: Using the Right Tools: Ensure access to essential tools like Slack and Asana to stay organized and track progress. Team Check-ins: Regular meetings keep communication clear and provide an opportunity to discuss workload concerns. However, also schedule no-call days to allow for deep focus and uninterrupted work. Breaks and Physical Activity: Walks and short breaks are essential for maintaining health and productivity.

Help employees prioritize tasks and set realistic deadlines. Encourage delegation and offer support in reallocating responsibilities to prevent overwhelm.

I have encouraged my team to take mini breaks, take a walk outside in nature to get energized, plan time off, or take a mental health day. Promoting activities to recharge and be away from work is key, in addition giving them permission to work their schedules to accommodate their life empowers them to not feel guilty to when taking time off and enjoy work when they are present.

One of my previous employers had an in-house counselor we could utilize, some employees were not aware of this offering, I let them know this was available and encouraged they blocked time once a month to speak with the counselor. Managing workload stress with a professional and with the manager allowed the team to feel supported.

In the past I have recommended the use of project management software such as Monday.com to log weekly work; and encouraged the team to break work down into smaller chunks making it easier to manage a larger project. We performed standups two times a week to make sure no one was stuck, and to review what might have come up as on fire and reprioritize projects if needed.

Identifying and addressing burnout in product marketing professionals involves recognizing signs like decreased productivity, fatigue, and disengagement. Encourage open communication, provide mental health resources, and promote work-life balance through flexible schedules and regular breaks. Implementing team-building activities and fostering a supportive environment can also help mitigate burnout and maintain a healthy, motivated workforce.

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Having an open discussion between managers and direct reports and a company-wide policy of awareness and a positive attitude towards mental health and neurological diversity is vital. Symptoms of burnout can vary greatly between individuals, neuroatypicals being more at risk than neurotypicals. Duty of care from the top down is crucial, especially as in most cases individuals whose mental health is in jeopardy are the last ones aware of it.