Hey there,

Work was never meant to break us… but somehow burnout has become the new office coffee. ☕🔥

It’s everywhere, and it’s reshaping how we work, think, and live.

In today’s newsletter, let’s unpack what’s fueling it — and how HR can flip the script.

🔥 The Burnout Crisis Is Getting Darker

A new study reveals that workplace exhaustion can lead to more than just turnover or low performance — it may actually fuel extremist thinking. This is a wake-up call for organizations everywhere

📖 Are You Burning Out?

🌳 Beware of the “Giving Tree” Syndrome

We often celebrate employees who give and give without limits — the ones who always say yes, who stretch themselves for every deadline, who carry the invisible load for the team. But constant self-sacrifice isn’t sustainable.

The Giving Tree Syndrome is a reminder for HR and leaders to spot over-givers early, encourage boundaries, and normalize saying no. Because when we protect our people from burning out, we don’t just save individuals — we build stronger, healthier organizations.

📖 Read More: Beware of the Giving Tree Syndrome →

🧘 Practical Ways to Reduce Stress at Work

Stress at work isn’t just an employee issue — it’s a culture issue. The good news? HR leaders have real power to turn things around. Here are seven proven ways to help teams (and yourself) stay healthier and happier at work:

1. Use the right tools → Automate admin with HR tech so people teams can focus on wellbeing, not paperwork.

2. Promote balance → Encourage breaks, PTO, and model healthy boundaries.

3. Support physical wellbeing → Offer fitness perks, wellness challenges, or even simple “walk-and-talk” meetings.

4. Prioritize mental health → Normalize conversations, provide EAP access, and support neurodivergent employees with flexible options.

5. Assist with finances → Run financial literacy workshops or partner with experts to ease money-related stress.

6. Improve communication → Keep dialogue open with regular check-ins, town halls, or anonymous surveys.

7. Build positive culture → Celebrate wins, foster community, and create space for fun alongside work.

👉 Stress may be unavoidable — but burnout isn’t. With the right systems and culture, HR can build workplaces where people truly thrive.

📖 Read the full article for details →

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🤔Is Your Performance Review Still Stuck in 2015?

What if performance reviews weren’t surprise exams with no syllabus… but ongoing conversations that actually build people?

That’s exactly what over 130 HR leaders explored in TSOW’s latest field research - captured in our brand-new Q2 eBook: 

“Research Insights & TSOW HR Think Tank: Performance Management”

Inside, you'll find:
✅ Experiments from real HR teams across India
✅ Dashboards that track feedback, not just delivery
✅ Story-based reviews, gamified goals, and AI nudges
✅ What CHROs really think about ratings, OKRs, and the future of feedback

This isn’t a theoretical whitepaper. It’s what HR teams are actually trying or itching to try - right now.

🤖 AI in Recruiting: Better Matches, Less Guesswork

Screening résumés manually? That’s yesterday’s problem. AI can scan, score, and match candidates in minutes — giving you:

• 🚀 Speed — shortlist in a fraction of the time

• 🎯 Accuracy — skills matched to the role, not gut instinct

• 🙌 Freedom — HR focuses on people, not piles of CVs

💡 TSOW Tip: The goal isn’t replacing human judgment — it’s amplifying it with better, faster insights.

📊👥 TSOW HR Leaders Roundtables – Be Part of the Conversation

We believe that some of the most powerful insights emerge when experienced minds come together in the same room.

That’s why we’ve been hosting a series of exclusive, in-person roundtables for senior HR leaders across India.

These sessions are designed to foster open dialogue, meaningful peer exchange, and trusted community building — all in a safe, curated space.

Whether you're navigating transformation, scaling culture, or simply seeking clarity in a noisy world of work, these roundtables are for you.

We’re heading to the following cities soon — we’d love to have you join us:

We can’t wait to see you there — and hear what’s on your mind.

🤝Real Conversations. Real Change. Join the Meetup

These aren’t your typical HR sessions. We’re gathering people who want to ask better questions, swap real stories, and explore what’s actually shaping workplaces today. If you're craving connection, clarity, or just a little less BS, you're in the right place.

✅TSOW HR Meetup in Chandigarh, Saturday, August 30

Join us for an insightful evening focused on the future of HR. Connect with like-minded professionals, gain valuable perspectives, and walk away with new ideas—and a digital certificate. Enjoy complimentary coffee, snacks, and engaging conversations. Seats are limited. Register today!

✅ TSOW HR Meetup Hyderabad Saturday, September 6
Join the TSOW HR Meetup in Hyderabad and immerse yourself in conversations about the future of HR. Network with brilliant minds, enjoy coffee and snacks, and walk away with a digital certificate and plenty of fresh ideas. Seats fill fast register now!

✅TSOW HR Meetup in Pune, Saturday, September 13

Be part of an inspiring evening dedicated to where HR is headed. Meet professionals who share your passion, discover new ways of thinking, and leave with fresh strategies—and a digital badge to show for it. Spots are limited—grab yours now!

👋 Until Next Time

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us this month. We’ve explored burnout, balance, and how AI might make our work faster, fairer, and a little less stressful. At the end of the day, the future of work isn’t just about tech or policies — it’s about people like you helping to shape better workplaces. 💙

Until next time, stay curious, stay empowered, and keep making work better!,
Team TSOW