Back After Burnout

SwissCast Network
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Back After Burnout is the practical, upbeat companion for career professionals navigating the messy middle between “doctor’s orders—take a break” and “welcome back, you’re fit to work.” If you’re on stress leave or are quietly planning your return to work after an extended absence, this show is for you. Host Karina Schneider—HR strategist, certified coach, and mental health first aid instructor—blends lived experience with science-backed frameworks so you don’t have to choose between your mental health and professional ambitions. Why listen? Because googling “burnout recovery” at 2 a.m. rarely delivers a roadmap. Karina speaks the language of both employees and employers, translating HR policies, fit-to-work assessments, and reintegration plans into human terms. Whether you’re fearing that first Monday back or wondering what's next for you, you’ll find clear answers—and a compassionate community—here. Episode format 10–15 minute solo coaching sessions punctuated by expert interviews and listener Q&As, designed for one-commute consumption and easy note-taking. Hit play if you want to… * Turn burnout into a catalyst for intentional career growth. * Understand the HR fine print of FMLA, European sick-pay rules, and corporate wellness perks. * Re-enter work with a plan that protects your mental health long-term. * Feel seen, supported, and strategically prepared—no matter how shaky your first day back feels. Subscribe now - Let’s make your comeback stronger than the breakdown.

  1. Ensuring a Smooth Transition: Supporting Employees Back to Work ft. Mary Finn

    FEB 1

    Ensuring a Smooth Transition: Supporting Employees Back to Work ft. Mary Finn

    Returning to work after burnout can feel overwhelming. Will you fit in? Has everything changed? Are you really ready? Mary Finn, founder of Connect4Work and certified disability management professional, joins Karina to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to return to work after extended absence. With experience supporting both employees and organizations across Ireland, Mary brings unique insight into both sides of the return to work journey. This conversation explores the fears employees face, the mistakes managers make, and the communication gaps that keep people in limbo. Mary shares how return to work is a process, not a single day—and why sustaining your return matters more than getting back quickly. If you've ever wondered how to ask for workplace accommodations, support someone returning from absence, or plan a sustainable transition back to work, this episode offers compassionate, practical guidance. Takeaways:The process of returning to work requires careful planning to avoid disastrous outcomes on the first day back.Employee experiences during absence are unique, and understanding both sides is essential for effective support.Sustaining the return to work is more critical than merely facilitating the initial comeback.Communication between managers and returning employees is vital to ensure a smooth reintegration process.Employers should proactively engage with employees on leave to mitigate feelings of isolation and anxiety.The return to work plan should be flexible and adaptable, accommodating the unique needs of each individual. Companies mentioned in this episode:Connect 4 WorkInternational Disability Management Standards CouncilGalway Chamber Business Award Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest. Mentioned in this episode: Back After Burnout is a proud member and a production of the SwissCast Network Discover more great podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network

    52 min

  2. JAN 15

    Post-Burnout Self-Care: What it's really about

    In this episode of Back After Burnout, host Karina Schneider explores post-burnout self-care strategies that go beyond routine wellness activities, focusing on preventive and responsive approaches for sustainable workplace integration. Learn how to identify early warning signs, create actionable response plans, and build self-care systems that support your recovery journey as you navigate returning to work after burnout. Key Takeaways: Self-care after burnout requires two pillars: preventive strategies (building routines to prevent stress) and responsive strategies (quick actions when warning signs appear)Recovery is not linear—expect ups and downs during your first months back at workIntegration means applying what you learned in recovery to your daily work lifeIdentify your energy drains and energy sources to guide your self-care decisionsCreate a personal "troubleshooting manual" with your early warning signs and first-response actionsPlan ahead for potentially draining situations (like conferences) with specific preventive strategiesBuilding a care team provides essential support throughout your return-to-work journey More on Care Teams in episode 10, https://www.swisscastnetwork.ch/show/back-after-burnout/10-who-is-in-your-care-team/ Chapters00:00 Introduction: Post-Burnout Self-Care Beyond Routine 00:15 Struggles with Self-Care Habits 01:24 Preventive and Responsive Self-Care Strategies 05:41 Building Your Personal Post Burnout Self-Care Plan Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest. Mentioned in this episode: Back After Burnout is a proud member and a production of the SwissCast Network Discover more great podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network

    8 min

  3. 12/01/2025

    Who is in your Care Team?

    In this episode of Back after Burnout, host Karina Schneider discusses the importance of having a support system during your return to work after experiencing burnout. She explores the concept of a "care team" - the people who can provide specific support as you transition back to your professional life. Key takeaways: How to identify your personal care team membersThe importance of communicating your specific needs to your support networkPractical examples of support requests for different relationshipsOvercoming hesitation in asking for help This episode provides actionable steps to ensure you have the right support structure in place as you navigate the challenges of returning to work post-burnout. Chapters00:00 Introduction: The Importance of a Care Team 00:55 Defining and Communicating Your Needs 02:42 Practical Steps to Engage Your Care Team Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest. Mentioned in this episode: Back After Burnout is a proud member and a production of the SwissCast Network Discover more great podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network

    6 min
  4. Building Change Capacity featuring Oksana Prokhorova

    11/15/2025

    Building Change Capacity featuring Oksana Prokhorova

    Why does change feel so threatening—even when we know it's good for us? In this episode, transformation leader Oksana Prokhorova reveals the neuroscience behind our stress responses and shares practical tools to build change capacity without burning out. She explains how our amygdala treats workplace deadlines like predatory tigers, why that 10-minute walk between meetings is a non-negotiable, and the surprising truth about when to drink your morning coffee. If you're navigating a return to work after burnout or simply trying to stay resilient through constant change, Oksana offers evidence-based strategies that actually work—from micro-dosing change to protecting your brain's "Ferrari-level" performance with proper maintenance. Oksana Prokhorova is a transformation leader specializing in human-centered, neuroscience-informed change management in highly regulated industries. Connect with her on LinkedIn for more practical neuroscience insights. Chapters with Timestamps01:28 Introduction & Welcome 02:26 Oksana's Background 03:32 Why Change Management Matters for Mental Health 05:33 The Neuroscience of Change 09:49 Change Capacity Patterns 15:09 The Stress Cycle 18:35 Returning After Burnout 23:28 Manager Responsibilities 26:00 Recognizing Burnout Signs 30:14 Personal Responsibility Discussion 34:48 Resources & Closing Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest. Mentioned in this episode: Rate & Review Rate & Review Back After Burnout is a proud member and a production of the SwissCast Network Discover more great podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network

    39 min

  5. 11/01/2025

    Returning to Work Starts with Who You Want to Be

    Coming back to work after burnout isn't just about resuming what you did before, with better stress management techniques. It’s about reshaping how you choose to live, work, and lead yourself. Today, we’re exploring how recovery is often a wake-up call—a chance to reconnect with who you are and what matters most. And how living more in line with your values can help you build a work life that is sustainable, fulfilling and burnout-proof. 00:29 Real-Life Examples 01:58 What are you values, really? 03:56 Confronting our Values 05:11 Aligning Your Values with Work 08:11 End-of-Life Clarity Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest. Mentioned in this episode: Back After Burnout is a proud member and a production of the SwissCast Network Discover more great podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network

    10 min

  6. 10/15/2025

    Should I stay or should I go?

    In this episode of Back after Burnout, we tackle one of the most challenging questions facing professionals recovering from burnout: should I stay in my current role or move on? Karina Schneider breaks down the decision-making process beyond simple pros and cons lists, offering a thoughtful framework to help you make choices aligned with your values and wellbeing. Key points covered: Why traditional pros/cons lists often fail for complex decisionsA six-step framework for making thoughtful career decisions post-burnoutHow to incorporate your values and non-negotiables into your decision processThe importance of "living as if" to test potential pathsUsing discernment techniques that engage more than just rational thinking Resources mentioned: "Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans"Playing Big" by Tara Mohr"The Anatomy of a Good Decision" by Mark Shrime, surgeon and Harvard Medical School lecturer Whether you're considering adjustments to your current role, exploring new opportunities, or contemplating a complete career pivot, this episode provides practical guidance for making decisions that honor your recovery and support sustainable wellbeing. Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest. Mentioned in this episode: Back After Burnout is a proud member and a production of the SwissCast Network Discover more great podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Join the Back After Burnout email list Newsletter Oct 2025

    12 min
  7. Boundaries in a Messy Reality featuring Emma Saccomani

    10/01/2025

    Boundaries in a Messy Reality featuring Emma Saccomani

    In this episode, we are joined by Emma Saccomani and together we cover a lot of ground on the hairy topic of boundaries. Whether you have gone through burnout or not, setting boundaries is a crucial life skill and a muscle we need to continue to build so we can stay healthy and productive as we navigate the messy reality of modern day life. Connect with Emma emmasaccomani.com emma@emmasaccomani.com Emma Saccomani | LinkedIn Get notified about her book – A Boundaries Toolkit for Messy Reality Emma’s Recommendations: This Book Could Help by Rotimi Akinsete How to be a Human by Ruby Wax Digital Wellbeing by Petra Velzeboer Artificial Intimacy by Esther Perel - Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 05:09 Understanding and Communicating Boundaries 09:20 The Messy Reality of Boundaries 18:43 Practicing Boundaries in Low-Stake Situations 20:58 Role Modeling Healthy Boundaries 22:05 Understanding Different Types of Boundaries 24:58 Boundaries in the Workplace 28:46 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest. Mentioned in this episode: Back After Burnout is a proud member and a production of the SwissCast Network Discover more great podcasts for English-speaking Switzerland SwissCast Network Rate & Review Rate & Review

    40 min

  8. 09/15/2025

    How Not to Panic During Your First Manager Conversation

    That first conversation with your manager after a mental health absence can feel like a test you didn’t study for. In this episode, reintegration coach Karina Schneider shows you how to replace panic with a plan. You’ll learn practical workplace communication tips for preparing for return to work, what to say (and what you don’t have to say), and how to frame requests so they support both workplace mental health and business needs. Karina walks through six focus areas: appreciation, status, needs, check-in rhythm, your manager’s concerns, and team communication, so you can practice self advocacy at work, manage expectations, and start building trust with your manager. You’ll also hear Johann’s story of moving from fear to clarity, proving that returning to work after burnout is easier when you have a script, a structure, and your rights in mind. This episode is a calm, step-by-step guide for managing burnout in real time: how to discuss job performance after burnout, request adjustments, and co-design strategies for returning to work that protect your energy and help you keep managing job responsibilities without derailing your burnout recovery. It’s about communicating with your employer in a way that supports productivity and mental health support in the workplace. Key takeawaysPlan beats panic. Go in with your goals, not just theirs; preparation lowers coping with work stress in the moment.Lead with appreciation. A warm opener sets a collaborative tone for the conversation with your manager.Share status, protect privacy. You control your health details; remember your employee rights after burnout.Ask for what you need. Frame phased hours, appointment flexibility, or task adjustments as ways to restore job performance after burnout.Set a check-in rhythm. Regular touchpoints help with managing workplace expectations and prevent surprises.Surface their concerns. Invite questions to understand resourcing pressures while maintaining self advocacy at work.Own the team message. Agree on how your returning to work after burnout is communicated; scope, hours, and current priorities.Trust builds through clarity. Clear requests + realistic commitments = supporting mental health at work without overpromising. Follow Back After Burnout for weekly guidance on preparing for return to work and evidence-based tactics that make supporting mental health at work part of how you lead your career. Back After Burnout is produced by the SwissCast Network, the only podcast network with podcasts produced in, for, or about English-speaking Switzerland. Back After Burnout is for education and...

    12 min
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Back After Burnout is the practical, upbeat companion for career professionals navigating the messy middle between “doctor’s orders—take a break” and “welcome back, you’re fit to work.” If you’re on stress leave or are quietly planning your return to work after an extended absence, this show is for you. Host Karina Schneider—HR strategist, certified coach, and mental health first aid instructor—blends lived experience with science-backed frameworks so you don’t have to choose between your mental health and professional ambitions. Why listen? Because googling “burnout recovery” at 2 a.m. rarely delivers a roadmap. Karina speaks the language of both employees and employers, translating HR policies, fit-to-work assessments, and reintegration plans into human terms. Whether you’re fearing that first Monday back or wondering what's next for you, you’ll find clear answers—and a compassionate community—here. Episode format 10–15 minute solo coaching sessions punctuated by expert interviews and listener Q&As, designed for one-commute consumption and easy note-taking. Hit play if you want to… * Turn burnout into a catalyst for intentional career growth. * Understand the HR fine print of FMLA, European sick-pay rules, and corporate wellness perks. * Re-enter work with a plan that protects your mental health long-term. * Feel seen, supported, and strategically prepared—no matter how shaky your first day back feels. Subscribe now - Let’s make your comeback stronger than the breakdown.

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