Check the Settings on your Network if you're Feeling Disconnected

When your Wi-Fi drops out, you check the network settings straight away. But when your energy and motivation falter, do you do the same? For many people on the edge of burnout, the real issue isn’t bandwidth, it’s connection. Not digital - but human.

Burnout doesn’t happen in isolation. It may not be about the workload or pressure, but the strength of your relationships which help you maintain your ability to deal with the problems that come your way. Who you work with, who supports you, and who has your back can be the difference between resilience and exhaustion. Research from Unmind found that your relationship with your manager can be just as significant to your wellbeing as your relationship with your partner. Think about that for a moment. The person you report to may shape your wellbeing as much as the person you come home to.

This extends beyond work too. Who can you rely on to help you decompress when the pressure is mounting? Who motivates you to keep moving forward? Who provides emotional support when things feel overwhelming?

It’s important to recognise that these roles won’t all come from the same person. One friend may be brilliant at practical advice, another at giving you a push when you need it, and someone else might simply offer a listening ear. Brene Brown describes it as making sure you "don't go to the hardware store for milk." Expecting one individual to cover all your needs is unrealistic - and potentially burdensome for you both. Recognising and valuing the unique strengths people bring to your life is part of building a resilient, balanced support system.

Why does connection matter so much when it comes to supporting burnout? Because connection isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s a human need. In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, connection sits right at the centre of psychological wellbeing. Without strong, supportive relationships, even the most accomplished career can feel fragile and unsustainable. With them, challenges feel lighter, wins feel richer, and setbacks become easier to navigate.

If you’re feeling drained, close to burnout, or disconnected, here’s a quick network check:

• Write down three people you can rely on for different types of support - practical, emotional, and motivational.

• Notice if there are any gaps. Do you have someone who's able to listen without judgement? Someone who can help you problem-solve? Someone who lifts your energy?

• If a gap stands out, consider one small step you could take this week to reconnect or strengthen that part of your network.

  
  

We’re wired for connection. Without it, resilience erodes. With it, we create the foundations that allow us not just to survive work, but to thrive in it.

So the next time you’re fine-tuning your networking strategy, try zooming in rather than out. Don’t just think about the events you should attend or the contacts you should add. The network that sustains you most might not be a room full of strangers - it might be the circle you’ve already built, waiting for a little more of your time and attention.

If this resonates, you might like my FREE 5-step DIY Burnout Survival Guide. It’s designed to help you spot the warning signs and strengthen your support systems so you can start to get back on top.