How to talk to your manager about burnout
Telling your manager you are struggling can feel risky. Done well, it is often the fastest way to change the conditions that are wearing you down.
Before the conversation
- Get specific. List your current tasks, roughly how long each takes, and where the pressure points are. Facts are easier to act on than feelings alone.
- Decide what you want. Fewer projects? A deadline moved? Clearer priorities? A flexible arrangement? Time off?
- Decide what you will share. You do not have to disclose health details. “I’m running on empty and it’s affecting my work” is enough.
- Book the time. Ask for a private 30-minute conversation rather than raising it in passing.
A simple script
“I’d like to talk about my workload. For the past few months I’ve been consistently working beyond my hours, and I’m noticing it in my energy and the quality of my work. I want to keep doing a good job, so I’d like to agree what the top priorities are and what can be paused or moved. One option would be [your suggestion]. Can we look at that together?”
What to ask for
| If the problem is… | You could ask for… |
|---|---|
| Too much work | Agreed priorities; moving deadlines; redistributing tasks; temporary help |
| Unclear expectations | Written goals and what “good enough” looks like |
| No control over time | A flexible work arrangement — flexi-hours, remote days or adjusted schedules |
| Constant after-hours messages | Clear expectations on response times outside working hours |
| Needing a break | Annual leave, or medical leave if a doctor advises it |
| Needing someone to talk to | Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), if available |
Your options in Singapore
- Flexible work requests. Under the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests, in effect since 1 December 2024, employees can make a formal written request. The request should state the type of arrangement, how often and how long, the reason, and start and end dates if relevant. Employers should respond within two months.
- After-hours communication. The Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being at Workplaces encourages employers to set reasonable expectations for work messages outside working hours, so that non-urgent messages need not be answered until the next working day.
- Counselling. The same advisory encourages employers to provide access to confidential Employee Assistance Programmes, with assurance that conversations will not be shared with the company without consent.
These are guidelines and advisories; check your employer’s own policies and, if needed, seek advice from HR, your union or the Ministry of Manpower. This is general information, not legal advice.
If the conversation does not go well
Write down what was agreed, follow up by email, and set a date to review. If your manager is part of the problem, consider HR, a more senior leader, your union representative or the EAP. Your health comes first: if you are unwell, see a doctor regardless of how the conversation went.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tell my boss I am burnt out?
If you feel safe to, a focused conversation about workload and priorities is often the quickest route to change. You do not have to share medical details.
Can I request flexible work in Singapore?
Yes. Under the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests, effective 1 December 2024, employees can make a formal written request and employers should respond within two months.
What if my manager is the cause?
Consider speaking to HR, a more senior manager, your union or your EAP, and keep written notes of what is discussed.
Need to talk to someone now? If you are thinking about suicide or harming yourself, or someone is in immediate danger, call 995 or go to the nearest A&E.
- Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): call 1767 or WhatsApp CareText 9151 1767 — 24 hours
- National mindline 1771: call 1771, WhatsApp 6669 1771 or webchat at mindline.sg — 24 hours
- Institute of Mental Health (IMH) helpline: 6389 2222 — 24 hours
- Outside Singapore: find a free, confidential helpline in your country at findahelpline.com
More options: get help now.
Please note: This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Burnout shares symptoms with depression, anxiety and physical conditions such as thyroid problems or anaemia, so persistent symptoms deserve a check with a doctor. Full disclaimer.