We're Not Just Burned Out—We're in an Emotional Recession.
May 2025 | Episode 002
Equip yourself, and your team, with the tools to navigate today’s emotional toll.
We’re in the midst of more than just a financial recession. What’s quietly impacting teams and organizations across the globe is something deeper, more personal: an emotional recession—a sustained decline in emotional well-being and emotional intelligence (EI). How is your team holding up in the face of this challenge?
The good news? You’re not powerless. Below are practical, uplifting resources to help you and your leaders strengthen emotional resilience and reconnect with purpose.
The reality we are facing:
Global well-being has dropped by 5.3% over the last four years
EQ scores have declined for a fourth year in a row
People are tired, isolated, and emotionally under-resourced
What’s fueling the downturn?
Lingering effects of the pandemic
Pressures of hybrid work and economic uncertainty
Rapid AI disruption
Toxic workplace cultures and lack of recognition
Poor leadership and emotional disconnection
The impact is real:
7 in 10 people globally are struggling or suffering (Gallup)
Over 50% of managers report feeling burned out
Gen Z shows the lowest satisfaction levels of any generation at work
But There’s Hope!
Like any economic downturn, an emotional recession can spiral if left unaddressed. Leaders like you can take action.
Here are three actionable ways you can help your team navigate this emotional downturn and begin to rebuild:
Prioritize Human Connection
People thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued. Meaningful connection is the antidote to isolation—and the first step toward healing.
Try it: Make space for regular check-ins that focus on your team’s emotional health, not just their to-do lists. Ask how they’re really doing—and listen without fixing.
Lead with Empathy and Self-Awareness
Emotionally intelligent leaders create emotionally healthy teams. Your willingness to be vulnerable, reflective, and human sets the tone for everyone else.
Try it: Practice emotional check-ins with yourself. Ask: What am I feeling right now? How might that be affecting how I lead? Model what it looks like to show up with curiosity and care.
Help Men Find Their Emotional Voice
While women’s emotional intelligence scores and well-being are starting to rebound, men’s have continued to decline. As Six Seconds' State of the Heart report notes, “It is clear that men frequently do not have the social support or emotional skills they need to thrive.”
Try it: Create space for men to explore emotional expression in ways that feel accessible. That could be as simple as asking, “What’s your opinion?” or encouraging them to “use more words” to describe situations. Emotional intelligence isn’t about forcing vulnerability, it’s about opening the door to it.
Bite-Sized Wisdom for Big Impact from Our Coaches
Ready to Lead with EI?
Increased levels of emotional intelligence drive resilience, empathy, and collaboration—qualities that are essential in today’s ever-shifting work environment. Our workshop and trainings helps your team build core EI competencies: emotional literacy, empathy, optimism, and purpose, skills that are proven to reduce burnout and increase engagement.
Ready to strengthen your team from the inside out? Explore our services and see how we can support your leaders in building a healthier, more connected workplace.
Yours in optimism,
Jillian & Team
McLaughlin Mentoring Inc.
Data source: State of the Heart 2024 report from Six Seconds