Episode 8 - Burnout: When the Brain Moves from Thriving to Surviving

 Burnout is more than exhaustion — it’s a neurological and psychological response to chronic stress that reshapes how we think, feel, and work. 

In this episode of The Brain at Work, Claire and Steph unpack the science behind burnout, exploring how stress impacts the brain, why motivation disappears, and how workplace systems often fuel cognitive overload. 

They examine the different ways burnout presents in neurotypical and neurodivergent employees, including the hidden toll of masking, executive dysfunction, and emotional exhaustion. With real-world workplace examples and practical recovery strategies for both individuals and organisations, this episode offers a powerful look at how sustainable work design can help people move from surviving back to thriving.