System Overload: Avoiding Burnout for Thriving Tech Teams

Burnout is a pervasive challenge in software development, often resulting from high-pressure environments, tight deadlines, and evolving project scopes. This session aims to shed light on the specific factors contributing to developer burnout and offers actionable strategies to mitigate its impact.

Transcript

1. System Overload Avoiding Burnout for Thriving Tech Teams Dafna Mordechai May 2025
2. Hello! • Deep Learning Compiler Team Leader • LOVES technology, and LOVES sharing it with others • Mentor in public speaking & tech-blogging Twitter | X @Dafna_Mordechai https://www.linkedin.com/in/dafna-mordechai
3. Dr. Christina Maslach Professor emerita of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.
4. Burnout - The symptoms According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and leading researcher Christina Maslach, burnout is defined as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. 1. Exhaustion - A lake of energy, but with the ability to function. You feel flat, not enthusiastic, but usually only around work. 2. Cynicism / Depersonalization - an absence of empathy, feelings of cynicism and disconnection 3. Reduced Professional Efficacy - reflects a belief that you are not effective at work and your contributions have little impact 🔥 🔥 🔥
5. So You Say To Yourself… “But my life is good” “But I have a good job” “There is nothing I can complain about…”
6. Why Framing Matters.
7. “What is wrong with THE WORKER who’s burned out?” "They just can’t handle the pressure." "They lack resilience." "They need to work on their time management." "Everyone else is managing fine." "They’re too sensitive." "They should’ve said something earlier."
8. “What is wrong with ME that I’m burned out?” “I’m not resilient enough.” “I need to meditate more.” “If I'll stick to a gratitude routine, I’ll feel better.” “Maybe I’m not passionate enough about my work anymore.” “I need to work on my mindset. I’m probably just being negative.” “I should start Yoga” “I’m in the wrong field... I should consider switching careers”
9. “What is wrong with THE WORKPLACE that I’m burned out?” “They monetize my passion.” “Corporate gaslighting is the norm.” “If you speak up, you’re ‘not a team player.’” “They call it ‘lack of commitment’ when I collapse.” “Capitalism forgets we’re human.”
10. Why Framing Matters: When we ask the wrong questions , we get the wrong answers…
11. Burnout is a MISMATCH between employees and workplaces
12. The Solution for Burnout is A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY between employees and workplaces
13. Workload Control Rewards Community Fairness Values
14. Workload – More is expected than is sustainable Control – Lack of autonomy or influence over work Rewards – Inadequate recognition (monetary or emotional) Community – Breakdown in trust, support, or collaboration Fairness – Perceived inequity in workload, promotions, or respect Values – Misalignment between personal and organizational values
15. Startups as a Model of Structured Self-Sacrifice 🔥
16. Workload Control Rewards Community Fairness Values Different People, Different Workplaces….
17. Workload Control Rewards Community Fairness Values Can We Take Action?
18. Resources • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqONINYF17M&ab_channel=HealthyGamerGG • https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-27/burnout-definition-five-symptoms-related-to- depression/101811120 • https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2021/08/we-re-all-exhausted-but-are-you-experiencing- burnout--here-s-wha • https://news.berkeley.edu/2023/02/23/burned-out-berkeley-experts-book-offers-roadma p-to-a-better-workplace/ • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christina_Maslach
19. THANK YOU! Twitter | X @Dafna_Mordechai https://www.linkedin.com/in/dafna-mordechai