Obstacles of Burnout Recovery (Part 2) | Shame, Health, Emotion & Burnout Symptoms

Burnout recovery isn’t just about getting better — it’s about understanding what stands in the way of staying well.

In Episode 15 (Part 2) of the Share, Inspire, Explore Podcast, host Chris Wilson is joined by Dr. Ben Searle, organisational psychologist, consultant, and host of the “Mind on the Job” podcast. His work in aligning psychology, systems, and resilience makes him a leading voice in workplace wellbeing.

Together, they continue exploring the six key obstacles that make burnout recovery so complex — focusing on the final four: shame, health, emotion, and the symptoms of burnout itself.

💬 In this episode, they discuss:

🧠 Shame – why silence and stigma can delay recovery.

💊 Health & Illness – how depression, anxiety, and physical fatigue overlap with burnout.

💔 Emotion – dealing with grief, anger, and identity loss in recovery.

🔥 Burnout Symptoms Themselves – how exhaustion, cynicism, and self-doubt make healing harder.

This episode offers practical insights into what to do when you feel stuck — and how to approach recovery with self-compassion, patience, and support.

If you haven’t yet, start with Part 1 for the emotional foundations of burnout recovery:

👉 https://youtu.be/M0pgEKR1muQ

🎯 You’ll learn:

• Why shame keeps many people silent about burnout

• How to tell if deeper health factors are slowing recovery

• How emotional awareness supports long-term healing

• Why small, consistent changes are more powerful than “fixing” yourself

📅 Chapters:

00:00 Welcome back to Share, Inspire, and Explore

01:00 Shame as a barrier to recovery

06:30 The overlap of health, illness, and burnout

13:00 Emotional impact of recovery

19:30 Burnout symptoms and their effect on healing

27:00 Practical takeaways and reflection

🔗 Connect with Dr Ben Searle

Website: https://mindonthejob.com/ben-j-searle/

Podcast: https://mindonthejob.com/podcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-searle-3a0a1b1/

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This podcast shares personal and professional experiences related to workplace wellbeing and burnout. It is for information and awareness only and should not replace professional mental health or legal advice.

☕ Support the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity

📝 Join the burnout recovery community waiting list: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community

#BurnoutRecovery #MentalHealth #Resilience #Wellbeing #Burnout #ShareInspireExplore

𝗢𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 | 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁

Burnout recovery isn’t as simple as taking time off, in fact, for many, it can feel even harder than the burnout itself.

In episode 15 (part 1) of the Share, Inspire, Explore Podcast, host Chris Wilson is joined by Dr. Ben Searle, organisational psychologist, consultant, and host of the “Mind on the Job” podcast. His work in aligning psychology, systems, and resilience makes him a leading voice in workplace wellbeing.

Together, they explore why burnout recovery can be so difficult, uncovering the early obstacles that hold people back — from life circumstances that make true rest impossible to the knowledge gaps that leave even experts underestimating burnout’s impact.

💬 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:

• Why recovery can feel harder than burnout itself

• The “situational” and “knowledge” obstacles that slow healing

• How guilt and over-responsibility sabotage rest

• Why even professionals struggle to apply what they teach

• The importance of self-compassion and realistic recovery timelines

If you’re feeling stuck, guilty, or unsure where to start — this conversation offers the understanding and validation many people never receive during recovery.

🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲

Website: https://mindonthejob.com/ben-j-searle/

Podcast: https://mindonthejob.com/podcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-searle-3a0a1b1/

⚠️ 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿:

This podcast shares personal and professional experiences related to workplace wellbeing and burnout. It is for information and awareness only and should not replace professional mental health or legal advice.

☕ 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity

📝 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community

#BurnoutRecovery #MentalHealth #WorkplaceWellbeing #Resilience #SelfCompassion #ShareInspireExplore #BurnoutPodcast

𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟭 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝟭𝟰: 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗧𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗰 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 | 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿, 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 & 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗥

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:

What happens when the workplace you once believed in turns toxic? And can HR truly lead the change when they’re caught between people and power?

In this eye-opening episode of the Share, Inspire & Explore Podcast, host Chris Wilson sits down with Karin Kradischnig, HR expert and founder of Coaching4HR, to explore what it really takes to survive, and reform, a toxic workplace.

Drawing on over 20 years of HR and leadership experience, Karin shares her professional insights and personal reflections on navigating organisational dysfunction, rebuilding trust, and finding the courage to challenge unhealthy systems from the inside.

🔥 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲, 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀:

• The tell-tale signs of a toxic workplace (and how to spot them early)

• The emotional toll of working in a culture of fear or control

• HR’s unique challenge: supporting employees while managing corporate politics

• How accountability and psychological safety drive real cultural reform

• Practical advice for HR leaders and employees seeking systemic change

💬 Whether you’re an HR professional, a manager, or someone who’s been impacted by toxicity at work, this conversation will help you understand what’s really going on beneath the surface, and how to start shifting it.

⚠️ 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿:

This podcast shares personal and professional experiences related to workplace wellbeing and burnout. It is for information and awareness only and should not replace professional mental health or legal advice.

💰 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿:

This Amazon link is an affiliate link, which means that if you make a purchase through it, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help support my podcast, video content, and the ongoing development of the Where I’m At Community. I only recommend books and resources that I’ve personally read or truly believe will add value to your journey.

📚 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲

If you’d like to dive deeper into navigating manipulative leadership and toxic workplace environments, check out Breaking Free from Toxic Leadership: A Guide to Navigating Manipulation and Thriving in Your Career by Dr. Markus Zehentner and Claudia Schwinghammer.

Link here: https://amzn.to/3J4lTOl

The book offers real-world case studies, psychological insights, and practical strategies to spot toxic leadership, reclaim your power, and build a healthier workplace culture.

🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 & 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁:

🌍 Guest: Karin Kradischnig — Founder, Coaching4HR

🔗 Website (German): https://www.kradischnig.at/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-kradischnig/

🎧 Listen to more episodes of Share, Inspire & Explore for real conversations on burnout, mental health, and leadership.

📝 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗜’𝗺 𝗔𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community

☕ 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity

#toxic workplace #hrleadership #workplacewellbeing #psychological safety #leadershipdevelopment #burnoutrecovery #burnoutpodcast #shareinspireexplore

🎙 Toxic Workplaces and HR’s Role (Episode 13 Part 2) | Accountability, Change & HR’s Boundaries

Description:

If a workplace is toxic, can HR really fix it? And what does real change require?

In Part 2 of this conversation, I continued with HR expert Karin Kradischnig, founder of Coaching4HR, to dig into the challenges and possibilities of repairing broken workplace cultures.

🎯 In Part 2, we cover:

• Why leadership accountability is non-negotiable

• The limits of HR in fixing toxic environments

• Practical strategies for HR to support employees without burning out

• The role of coaching, training, and dialogue in changing culture

• What healthier workplaces could look like when trust is rebuilt

💬 This is a must-listen for HR professionals, leaders, and employees alike, anyone who has experienced a toxic workplace and wondered if change is possible.

📌 Missed Part 1? Go back and hear how toxic workplaces form and why HR is often stuck in the middle.

🔗 Connect with Karin KradischnigWebsite: https://www.kradischnig.at/ (German)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-kradischnig/

☕ Support the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity

📝 Join the burnout recovery community waiting list: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community

⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for information and awareness purposes only. It does not replace professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. If you are struggling with burnout, stress, or mental health challenges, please seek guidance from a qualified professional or support service in your local area.

#toxicworkplace #workplacewellbeing #hrstrategy #leadership #employeeexperience #hrsupport #burnoutpodcast #burnout

🎙 Toxic Workplaces and HR’s Role (Episode 13 Part 1) | Spotting the Red Flags & HR’s DilemmaDescription:What makes a workplace toxic, and why is HR often caught in the middle?In Part 1 of this conversation, I'm joined by Karin Kradischnig, HR expert and founder of Coaching4HR, who brings 20 years of hands-on HR and leadership experience. Together, we unpack the roots of workplace toxicity, the impact it has on employees, and why HR’s role is often more complicated than people think.🎯 In Part 1, we cover: • What defines a toxic workplace • The role of leadership in creating (or enabling) toxicity • Why employees stay silent, even when they see red flags • HR’s conflict between supporting people and protecting the business • Real-world insights from Karin’s HR experience👉 Part 2 continues with strategies for accountability, rebuilding trust, and what HR can realistically do to make change.🔗 Connect with Karin KradischnigWebsite: https://www.kradischnig.at/ (German)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-kradischnig/☕ Support the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity📝 Join the burnout recovery community waiting list: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for information and awareness purposes only. It does not replace professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. If you are struggling with burnout, stress, or mental health challenges, please seek guidance from a qualified professional or support service in your local area.#toxicworkplace #hrleadership #workplaceculture #burnout #mentalhealthatwork #humanresources #burnoutpodcast

Sustaining Recovery at Work: Stigma, Support & Long-Term Balance

Episode 12 Guest: Janina Liensberger-Desnica – HR Consultant | Workplace Wellbeing Advocate

Burnout recovery isn’t just about getting back to work, it’s about staying well once you’re there. In this episode of the Share, Inspire and Explore Podcast, host Chris Wilson speaks with Janina Liensberger-Desnica, an HR consultant and workplace wellbeing advocate, about how individuals and organizations can better sustain recovery after burnout.

Together, we explore the cultural and systemic barriers that often stand in the way, including workplace stigma, lack of trust, and policies that look good on paper but don’t meet real human needs. Janina shares her HR insights on what true support looks like, both for employees coming back from burnout and for leaders responsible for shaping healthy workplace cultures.

💡 In this episode, we discuss:

• The stigma employees face when returning after burnout

• How HR and leaders can create psychologically safe workplaces

• Why flexibility and trust are key to long-term recovery

• Practical ways to balance wellbeing with performance expectations

• The dangers of relapse when recovery isn’t supported at work • Janina’s professional insights on the future of burnout prevention and recovery support

This episode is for:

✅ Burnout survivors reintegrating into work

✅ HR professionals & managers

✅ Leaders seeking to build healthier workplace cultures

✅ Anyone invested in sustainable wellbeing at work

🔗 Connect with Janina Liensberger-Desnica

Website: https://www.janina-liensberger.com/ (German)

☕ Support the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity

📝 Join the burnout recovery community waiting list: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community

⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for information and awareness purposes only. It does not replace professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. If you are struggling with burnout, stress, or mental health challenges, please seek guidance from a qualified professional or support service in your local area.

#burnoutrecovery #workplacementalhealth #nervoussystemhealing #psychologicalsafety #shareinspireexplore #whereimat #burnoutpodcast #mentalhealthawareness

Episode 11: withJanina Liensberger-Desnica | HR ConsultantReturning to work after burnout is often more challenging than the burnout itself.In this powerful episode, host Chris Wilson is joined by Janina Liensberger-Desnica, a strategic HR consultant, coach, and expert in organizational development. They explore the emotional and psychological terrain of re-entering the workplace after a burnout.Together, they unpack what happens after the sick note ends, from self-doubt and fear to the invisible expectations placed on returning employees, and how both individuals and organisations can navigate this crucial transition better.💬 In this episode, we discuss:• Why returning to work can feel like a second mountain to climb• How shame, guilt, and fear show up during reintegration• What healthy return-to-work support really looks like• The role of nervous system regulation in burnout recovery• Why HR and leaders must make space for vulnerability• How to reframe your identity post-burnout🧭 Whether you’re an employee preparing to return, someone supporting a colleague, or an HR professional seeking to do better—this conversation offers validation, insight, and practical guidance.🌱 Join the Where I’m At community: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community⚠️ Content Note: This episode discusses topics such as burnout, workplace pressure, and emotional overwhelm. Listener discretion is advised.🙏 Please like, subscribe, and leave a review, it helps others find this content and feel less alone in their burnout recovery.☕ Support this podcast on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity#burnoutrecovery #burnout #workplacementalhealth #HRWellbeing #psychologicalsafety #ShareInspireExplore #whereimat #burnoutpodcast #mentalhealthawareness

Welcome to Part 2 of our honest and timely conversation on burnout recovery and the role HR should be playing to support it.

In this episode, Chris Wilson and Martina Teufner dive deeper into what true recovery support looks like, from HR respecting its own limits to advocating for cultural change in how we view mental health at work. They explore what employees need to feel safe again, and why trust and transparency matter more than return-to-work checklists.

🎯 Topics in Part 2:

• How HR can support recovery without burning out themselves
• The importance of protecting personal and professional boundaries
• How to create psychological safety during reintegration
• Building peer support systems in the workplace
• What a healthier, human-centered workplace could look like

💬 This is a must-listen for HR professionals, managers, and anyone recovering from burnout, or supporting someone who is.

📌 Missed Part 1? Go back and listen to learn about the emotional impact of burnout and what recovery really demands.

📣 Join the Conversation:Have you navigated burnout at work? Share your story in the comments or connect

🌟 About Our Guest:Martina Teufner is an award-winning HR consultant and advocate for human-centric workplaces. Follow her on LinkedIn for insights into modern HR challenges.🔗 Connect with Martina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-teufner/

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses burnout, stress, and workplace mental health struggles. Listener discretion advised.

💬 Got a question or your own burnout experience to share? Drop a comment below, we’d love to hear from you!

🌟 If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and leave a review on your preferred podcast platform, it helps more people find this content.

☕ Support me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/whereimatcommunity

📝 Join the waiting list for our upcoming burnout support community: https://www.whereimatcommunity.com/community

#BurnoutRecovery #HRLeadership #WorkplaceReintegration #MentalHealthAtWork #HumanResources #ReturnToWork #ShareInspireExplorePodcast #BurnoutPodcast