HR Online Workshop - Masking and Burnout: Recognizing Hidden Struggles

Introductory Workshop Outline

Welcome & Workshop Objectives

Clarify what “masking” and “burnout” look like in today’s workplace

Highlight why hidden struggles matter for engagement retention and compliance

Exploring Masking in the Workplace

Define masking and why employees hide their true thoughts or feelings

Typical scenarios: neurodivergent camouflaging emotional labor cultural code-switching

Costs of masking: stress buildup decreased authenticity impact on team dynamics

Understanding Burnout and Its Early Signs

Core dimensions: exhaustion cynicism reduced efficacy

Subtle indicators: frequent sick days disengagement drop in creativity

Distinguishing burnout from ordinary stress

The Masking–Burnout Connection

How sustained masking accelerates emotional exhaustion

Case vignette: manager who masks to fit in then spirals into silent burnout

The risk of under-reporting when individuals feel unable to share struggles

Identifying Hidden Struggles in Your Organization

Proactive listening: pulse surveys skip-level check-ins anonymous suggestion channels

Signals from people managers: team mood shifts performance dips social withdrawal

Supporting Employees Through Visibility and Trust

Fostering psychological safety: role-model vulnerability normalize asking for help

Reasonable adjustments: flexible scheduling quiet zones tailored workload planning

Training managers to recognize masking cues and respond empathetically

Action Planning & Resources

Quick-start toolkit: conversation guides mask-to-burnout risk checklist manager playbook

Internal resources: wellbeing platforms peer support networks curated reading list

Building a roadmap: integrate practices into performance reviews DEI efforts onboarding

Q&A and Next Steps

Address pressing questions and share real-time insights

Define immediate takeaways and longer-term initiatives for HR teams