In the fast-paced world of work, preventing burnout is crucial, and the key could lie in the relationships built with managers. This article delves into the pivotal strategies for fostering robust connections, featuring invaluable insights from seasoned experts. Discover how two-way communication, trust-building check-ins, and goal alignment can transform the manager-employee dynamic.

  • Foster a Two-Way Connection
  • Prioritize Honest and Respectful Communication
  • Build Trust Through Human Check-Ins
  • Proactively Communicate and Align on Goals
  • Maintain Regular Check-Ins with Managers

Foster a Two-Way Connection

One way I cultivated a positive and supportive relationship with my manager was by fostering a two-way connection built on appreciation, respect, and empathy. While it was natural to look to my manager for guidance, I also took the initiative to ask how I could support them. I recognized that managers face challenges too, and by acknowledging their humanity and offering help, I contributed to a healthier, more collaborative work environment. I made an effort to maintain open and transparent communication, which helped build trust and address potential stressors early.

By recognizing both individual and collective contributions—whether celebrating small wins or offering encouragement—I reinforced a culture of appreciation. This mutual respect and understanding not only strengthened my relationship with my manager but also positively influenced team dynamics, creating a workplace where everyone felt valued, ultimately helping to prevent burnout and promote well-being across the team.

Dr. Julie DonleyDr. Julie Donley
Leadership Coach and Author of “Leading at the Speed of People,” Nurturing Your Success LLC

Prioritize Honest and Respectful Communication

Prioritize open, honest, direct, and always respectful communication—not just about tasks and goals, but about workload, boundaries, and where you might need support. When leaders and employees have this level of trust, burnout prevention becomes proactive, not reactive.

From an organizational psychology perspective, the ROI is huge. When employees feel psychologically safe to communicate honestly, engagement, retention, and productivity rise. Leaders gain higher-performing, more resilient teams, while employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work without sacrificing their well-being.

This kind of relationship doesn’t just prevent burnout—it creates a workplace where people can actually thrive. Now, this kind of relationship takes work, self-ownership, and accountability. It’s a two-way street and well worth the effort it takes to build this style of communication.

Dr. Tatijana BusicDr. Tatijana Busic
Organizational Psychologist, Busic Psychology & Consulting

Build Trust Through Human Check-Ins

Trust is paramount. Research shows that employees who trust their management have lower burnout and longer tenure. Start by establishing rapport on the “human” level. Meetings can start with a human check-in before diving into business. By letting direct reports know that you care, it builds trust and psychological safety—both of which go a long way to prevent burnout.

Lara HeacockLara Heacock
Leadership & Executive Coach

Proactively Communicate and Align on Goals

One key thing I do to cultivate a positive relationship with my manager is to proactively communicate and align on goals, expectations, and challenges. I make it a point to have regular one-on-one meetings where we openly discuss my workload, priorities, and any obstacles I’m facing. This open communication allows my manager to have a clear understanding of my situation and provide the necessary support or resources.

For example, during a particularly demanding project, I felt overwhelmed and on the verge of burnout. By proactively discussing my concerns with my manager, we were able to redistribute some tasks and bring in additional team members to help. This not only alleviated my stress but also demonstrated my manager’s willingness to listen and support me. Such experiences have strengthened our relationship and created a healthier work environment built on trust, empathy, and collaboration.

Maurizio PetroneMaurizio Petrone
Founder & CEO, PressHERO

Maintain Regular Check-Ins with Managers

We believe that fostering transparent, regular check-ins with our managers is essential for preventing burnout and maintaining a healthy work environment. We’ve found that setting aside dedicated time each week for meaningful conversations about our projects, challenges, and professional growth creates a foundation of mutual trust and understanding.

Rather than waiting for formal reviews, we make it a practice to have brief, purposeful discussions where we share not just project updates, but also our thoughts on workload balance and potential roadblocks. This proactive approach helps us address challenges before they become overwhelming. For example, when we’re managing multiple executive search assignments, these conversations allow us to realign priorities and ensure resources are properly allocated.

The impact of this open communication extends beyond individual well-being. By maintaining regular dialog with our supervisors, we create an environment where everyone feels comfortable voicing concerns and suggesting improvements. This collaborative atmosphere has proven invaluable in our executive search work, where clear communication and mutual support are crucial for successful placements.

We’ve discovered that when managers and team members maintain this kind of open dialog, it naturally leads to better work-life integration and more sustainable performance. Our experience shows that teams who prioritize these relationships are more resilient, innovative, and better equipped to handle the complex demands of executive recruitment while maintaining their well-being.

Julia YurchakJulia Yurchak
Talent Sourcing, Acquisition & Management Specialist| Senior Recruitment Consultant, Keller Executive Search