By now, we've been in full party season mode for well over a month, and for most of us in hospitality it's brutal. Endless shifts huge covers, even huger expectations. Tighter margins for error, way less sleep, and far more emotion — from guests and colleagues.
Right now, teams aren’t just tired — they’re running on fumes. This the most important moment of the year to talk about burnout: not as a future risk, but as something that can quietly creep in right now, while you’re still head down “getting the job done”... and then stay with you all year round if you don't identify it and protect yourself.
Our resident therapist and stress coach Merly Kammerling of Well and Being breaks down five key causes of burnout, and five practical ways to protect yourself, even during peak season. Think of this as a realistic, no-judgement guide you can keep in your back pocket for yourself and your teams while the pressure is on - and long after the pressure fades.
STRESS VS BURNOUT: WHY THE DIFFERENCE MATTERS
It’s normal to feel stressed at this time of year. You're having an incredibly intense time. But stress and burnout are not the same thing.
Stress usually means you’re overloaded — but still functioning.
Burnout happens when your internal battery is drained completely.
When burnout takes hold, people often feel emotionally flat, detached, overwhelmed or hopeless — even if they’re still showing up and delivering on the outside.
Key Differences:
STRESS
You’re putting in huge amounts of effort
Emotions feel intense
You have low energy
It takes a physical toll
BURNOUT
It’s hard to put in any effort at all
Emotions feel blunted or numb
Motivation drops sharply
It takes an emotional toll
COMMON SIGNS OF BURNOUT
It's important to remember these not just for yourself, but for those around you.
Feeling exhausted most of the time, even after rest
Feeling trapped, helpless or defeated
Detachment or isolation — even from people you care about
Cynicism or negativity creeping in
Self-doubt
Procrastination or slower decision-making
Feeling constantly overwhelmed
Burnout doesn’t always look dramatic. Often, it looks like quiet survival mode.
FOR MANAGERS:
5 COMMON CAUSES OF BURNOUT
Burnout is not just an individual issue — it’s often a signal that something in the working environment needs attention. Peak season has a way of pointing to systems, expectations or dynamics that may not be sustainable under pressure. Listing the following 5 common causes should help clarify where the pressure might be in your own team.
1. Extreme energy output with little recovery
Festive service demands constant focus, emotional regulation and physical stamina. When rest, recovery and personal time disappear, exhaustion follows fast.
2. Lack of control or resources
Limited influence over rotas, workload, staffing levels or service conditions can leave people feeling powerless — a strong predictor of burnout.
3. Unclear expectations
When roles blur or pressure rises without clarity, self-doubt increases. Uncertainty is exhausting.
4. Dysfunctional workplace dynamics
Micromanagement, poor communication or lack of support compound stress — especially when mistakes feel costly.
5. Lack of social support
Long hours can isolate you from friends, family and even your team. Disconnection makes everything harder to carry.
AND FINALLY…
Burnout is not a personal failure. In 2019, the World Health Organisation officially recognised burnout as an occupational phenomenon — and hospitality remains one of the most affected industries.
For individuals:
If you’re struggling right now, it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this work. It means you’ve been carrying a sustained level of pressure — physical, emotional and mental — often while continuing to show up for others. That matters.
For managers:
Burnout in your team isn’t a reflection of bad intent or poor leadership — but it is useful information. It’s often a signal that systems, expectations or resourcing are being stretched beyond what’s sustainable. Small interventions — clearer communication, visible support, permission to pause — can significantly reduce long-term damage, even when the pace can’t be slowed.
REMEMBER:
Burnout thrives in silence. It eases when people feel seen, supported and able to speak honestly without fear of consequence. Whether you’re managing others or managing yourself, awareness, boundaries and timely adjustments can make the difference between a hard season — and one that leaves lasting scars.
You’re not failing. You're not broken.
You’re human, and you're operating in a hugely demanding environment.
What you NOTICE and ACT ON now matters long after the decorations come down.
