A mentally out-of-shape employee isn’t just "having a bad week" — their struggles bleed into their work, their team, and their well-being. Here’s how to spot it before burnout sets in:
You're seeing "that's not like them" moments: mistakes, missed details, misfires, or half-finished work. Deadlines are ghosting like bad first dates, while they drown in apathy. Even simple tasks feel like climbing Eiger's north face, paralyzing their decision-making.
Are they withdrawn or snappy? Either way, they're just not themselves anymore. In team meetings, they're physically present but mentally on Mars. Conversations feel like walking on eggshells—or worse, they’ve stopped talking altogether.
They might say, "I’m FINE" (Frustrated, Insecure, Neurotic, and Exhausted). They show up, but their fire's gone—present in body, absent in spirit. You notice the little things: endless coffee, slack posture, that "I haven’t slept" glaze.
A once-proactive team player now ducks group projects or offers minimal input. They might be slow to respond to emails or messages, or frequently decline invitations to informal team gatherings. This isn't just shyness; it's a sign they're struggling to connect and contribute.
The spark is gone from their eyes, even when discussing topics they once loved. They might express cynicism about company initiatives or display a general lack of enthusiasm for new challenges and learning opportunities. The drive that once defined them has simply dimmed.
This isn't about laziness—it’s about stress. And the best fix isn’t more pressure; it’s support. Let Joel demo the scientifically proven PQ Program to unlock stress-free peak performance.
👉 Pro Tip: Forward this to your HR partner — mental fitness is #1 unmet need in L&D.
Contact:
joel @ joelblom.com
joelblom.com