Burnout in the workplace is nothing new. But it turns out, it’s getting worse.
According to a new report from Glassdoor, the reviews mentioning “burnout” reached its highest levels since the company started tracking the information back in 2016. Researchers found a 44 percent increase over levels from February 2020.
The result can be detrimental, leading to increased sick days, loss of productivity, and strain on our mental, emotion and physical health.
It’s part of the reason why Daisy Auger-Dominguez, a top human capital executive and workplace strategist, decided to write her new book “Burnt Out to Lit Up.” In it, Auger-Dominguez delves into the often overlooked and difficult aspects of management, offering solutions for managers struggling to adapt and thrive.
“I wrote ‘Burnt Out to Lit Up’ because I’ve seen how burnout dims the light in even the most passionate leaders and managers—those who wake up every day determined to make a difference, only to find themselves crushed by the weight of it all,” Auger-Dominguez said. “I know that feeling intimately. I’ve been there—navigating the chaos of a global pandemic, a financial crisis, operational tension, and social upheaval, all while trying to keep myself and my team afloat. I wanted to speak directly to the people often caught in the crossfire between high expectations and the real, messy human experiences of work.”
Know Your Value recently chatted with Auger-Dominguez about the book, the disproportionate effect burnout has on women, her decision to take a “radical sabbatical,” and more.
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Below is the conversation, which has been edited for brevity and clarity:
Know Your Value: Why did you decide to write “Burnt Out to Lit Up” now?
Daisy Auger-Dominguez: Why now? Because the world of work has changed dramatically, and so have the expectations we place on those who lead. We can’t afford to ignore burnout anymore; it’s time to reimagine how we lead in a way that allows people to thrive. Burned-out leaders lose their confidence, become indecisive, and make choices that don’t serve them or their teams well. As I share in the book, “We can transform into this monster version of ourselves. But there’s still a heart there—a heart that beats with the desire to care and connect.”
This book is an invitation—a call for leaders and managers to address burnout head-on, learn to recognize it in themselves and their teams, and create environments where people don’t just survive but truly thrive.
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Know Your Value: What was the most surprising revelation you made while researching your book?
Auger-Dominguez: One of the most surprising revelations was discovering just how deep and systemic burnout really is. I initially thought burnout was mainly about overwork and stress, but it goes far deeper than that. Burnout is often tied to feeling a lack of control, recognition, and support—to feeling undervalued and unheard. I was struck by how many managers, especially women and people of color, find themselves in cycles of burnout because they’re trying to meet unrealistic expectations while navigating systemic barriers. This pushed me to focus on solutions that go beyond self-care, like creating fairer, more inclusive workplaces where everyone feels seen and valued.
I also learned that burnout can sneak up on us, but more often, it’s a matter of us not recognizing the warning signs. Self-awareness is essential to avoiding that burnout edge. It’s about tuning in to ourselves, understanding our limits, and knowing when we need to step back before it’s too late.
In “Burnt Out to Lit Up,” I emphasize the importance of self-awareness in managing our own well-being and fostering healthier team environments. It means understanding our emotions, strengths, limitations, and triggers so that we can make more thoughtful choices. It’s about being mindful of our inner world, embracing our vulnerabilities, and using that understanding to navigate stress more effectively.
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Know Your Value: You took your own 9-month work break — which you called your “radical sabbatical.” Tell us why you made this decision and the biggest lessons you learned during that time.
Auger-Dominguez: My “radical sabbatical” wasn’t a choice I made lightly; it was a necessity. I had been pushing myself too hard for too long, ignoring all the signs my body and mind were giving me. I was constantly sick, exhausted, disconnected from myself, and running on empty. I realized I was on a relentless treadmill of performance, pushing through while burnout quietly crept in. It became clear that if I didn’t take a break, I would lose myself.









