At Yardi, empowering women in the real estate sector is a core value we proudly uphold through Yardi RISE. An internal, international initiative designed to elevate, support and inspire women across the organisation. Through RISE, we create spaces for candid conversations, leadership development and personal growth. The latest virtual event, focusing on “Burnout,” welcomed Nikki Couper, PSG manager for Yardi, as the keynote speaker. During the engaging session, Couper guided attendees through an exploration of burnout, its definition, early signs and how to manage it effectively. The session incorporated interactive elements and personal reflections, with participants offering insightful contributions.
Burnout obviously can affect anyone, it doesn’t matter what gender you are, but there is a gender lens around burnout and being a woman.
– Nikki Couper, PSG manager for Yardi
What is Burnout?
Couper began the session by examining the varied definitions of burnout. Emphasising that while interpretations may differ, common threads are “emotional, physical and mental exhaustion.” Often triggered by stress or other prolonged pressures. An important theme Couper highlighted was a “disconnection from self.” A phenomenon where individuals, particularly women, may feel detached from their own lives, questioning how they arrived at their current state.
Couper discussed how societal expectations and gender roles continue to shape women’s experiences of burnout. Despite strides towards gender equality, many women still carry “invisible labour” at home in addition to professional responsibilities. This “second shift” (balancing careers with caregiving and household management) places an additional, often unrecognised, burden. The discussion around emotional load was particularly resonant. Couper illustrated how tasks often considered “simple” carry complex planning and emotional responsibilities that disproportionately fall on women.
Her insights invited attendees to consider the broader societal and personal dynamics that make women especially vulnerable to burnout. And to recognise that these pressures, while invisible, are no less real or exhausting.
The Impact of Burnout
A significant and dynamic aspect of the session was the inclusion of a live anonymous poll. Which brought immediate audience participation into the spotlight. Couper asked the virtual audience to reflect on their experiences with burnout, impostor syndrome and perceptions of gender expectations in career progression.
The results were revealing — 96% of attendees acknowledged having felt burnt out. A powerful statistic that underscored the session’s relevance. Additionally, 72% admitted to trying to avoid conflict or appearing “difficult” at work and 32% felt they needed to “act more like a man” to succeed professionally. These results sparked thoughtful discussions amongst the group and posed an intriguing question, “How might these results have differed if the poll had been conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic?”
The attendees observed that the pandemic and subsequent global events, such as economic instability, political tensions contributing to ongoing uncertainty, “decision-making fatigue” and a constant low-grade stress exacerbates burnout. These remarks illuminated a critical point — today, burnout is not merely about workload, but about the “emotional and cognitive toll” of living in an unpredictable world.
The polling exercise not only validated shared experiences but also fostered a sense of community and reflection among attendees, encouraging deeper engagement with the topic.
Recognising That you are Burning Out
Couper then guided participants through the main categories of burnout symptoms, divided into four key areas:
- Emotional signs include irritability, anxiety and feelings of disconnection from life or work.
- Physical symptoms manifest as fatigue, sleep disturbances and even panic attacks.
- Behavioural indicators range from procrastination and an inability to complete tasks to the opposite extreme — overworking in an attempt to maintain control.
- Language and inner dialogue were also examined, particularly the dangerous use of “should” statements, such as “I should be able to cope.” Couper challenged attendees to critically examine this self-talk and question who imposes these unrealistic standards.
By categorising symptoms so clearly, Couper provided a practical framework that attendees could apply to self-assess and identify early warning signs before burnout becomes overwhelming.
Shifting the Narrative Around Burnout
The topic around “Burnout” for this RISE session served as a powerful reminder that burnout is a multifaceted issue deeply intertwined with societal expectations, personal self-worth and external pressures. Couper’s thoughtful exploration of the subject, combined with candid participant engagement, created an atmosphere of learning and mutual support.
As we navigate the ever-changing demands of professional and personal life, recognising burnout early and responding compassionately, both to ourselves and others, is vital. Perhaps the most profound takeaway is this — We do not have to measure our worth by our ability to endure exhaustion. Instead, we can choose a new narrative. One that honours our limits, values our well-being and empowers us to thrive.
About Yardi RISE
Yardi RISE was created in 2022. It’s an internal event for women at Yardi to network, inspire and empower each other. For more information, visit Introducing Yardi RISE or use the hashtag, #RiseWithYardi on socials.