The Startup to Burnout Pipeline: Part 2
How to navigate burnout and get back on track
In part 1 we discussed how startups often unintentionally create the perfect environment for burnout among early employees. Today we tackle what to do about it and how to prevent it in the future.
The founder paradox
Founders (myself included) bring immense passion and drive, but their focus is often on the future—on vision and growth rather than daily operations. Many founders are skilled at inspiring and setting goals but may not have the experience or time to ensure that operations align with the team’s ability and capacity. This can create a disconnect, with employees feeling caught between an ambitious vision and the daily demands of an overloaded team.
Leadership’s expectations to meet these high-level objectives can translate into unmanageable workloads for their teams. Even when the team raises concerns, the pressure to grow, impress investors, and innovate can override these warnings. Often, they will opt to throw more bodies at the problem - scaling a team without understanding the additional overhead of onboarding new teammates. Founders, feeling the weight of their own vision, may struggle to recognize when they demand too much of the team.
Breaking the burnout cycle
Everything is broken and terrible and on fire. Great. Now what?
The first step is to pause. Take a step back and determine the single most important thing to accomplish. Establishing clear and attainable goals helps the team understand where to focus. It’s essential that founders and leaders communicate these priorities effectively so that the team isn’t overwhelmed with too many projects or ambiguous expectations. If everything is a priority, nothing is a priority and teams will self-select what they find most straightforward or interesting to complete.
Having even a minimal structure for support can create a sense of stability in an otherwise chaotic environment. Instituting processes for knowledge-sharing, task delegation, and even mental health support encourages a healthier, more sustainable work culture.
Early on, it might be unavoidable for employees to wear multiple hats, but as soon as possible, startups should aim to clarify roles and responsibilities to ensure manageable workloads. Encouraging boundaries—whether through flexible hours, dedicated “offline” times, or built-in rest periods—is crucial for preventing burnout.
How Forge can help prevent burnout
Forge simplifies task prioritization and process alignment, freeing up time for the team to focus on impactful work without getting bogged down by routine tasks. There’s no need for the overhead of busywork and cleaning up tickets in the backlog. The platform encourages asynchronous communication, which reduces the need for constant availability and helps employees reclaim their work-life balance.
In addition, Forge minimizes the cognitive load of tracking disparate tasks and objectives. In a platform where everything is connected, there’s no question about what to focus on or why it’s a priority. This transparency helps employees feel in control, reducing stress and giving them a clearer sense of purpose.
If you’re tired of working to exhaustion, join our early access list for Forge.