What can I do at work to help someone when they look like they are doing well but are running on empty?

Short answer

Good output can still have a hidden cost.

What this can look like

A person can meet targets by working through breaks, doing hidden overtime or spending much longer recovering afterwards.

Why it can happen

Someone can meet targets through excessive hours, anxiety, masking or depleted recovery. Sustainable performance includes the conditions needed to repeat good work safely.

What might help

Include workload, rework, interruptions and recovery in regular reviews, not just visible output.

What the research helps explain

A broad work pattern can be shaped by task demands, health, stress, recovery, environment and support. Public information can help leaders improve conditions and have better conversations; it cannot decide what label, if any, applies to a staff member.

What can vary

Do not diagnose, compare suffering, demand private information or assume that visible output tells you the full cost. New, severe or concerning changes may need appropriate professional advice.

For this situation

For you, ask about workload, rework, interruptions and recovery—not only results.

More info and original sources

Poko summarises the relevance of public original sources and links out for anyone who wants to read more.

• About psychosocial hazards — Australian guidance on identifying and managing work conditions that can create psychosocial harm.
• Executive Functions — Explains attention, working memory and flexibility as distinct, context-sensitive processes.