What is Languishing at Work?
Languishing at work feels like you’re showing up, but not really switched on. You’re getting through meetings, emails, and tasks—but with low energy, low motivation, and no real sense of progress.
You’re not burnt out, but you’re not thriving either. Over time, that “just getting by” feeling starts to impact performance, morale, and team connection. More on languishing here.
How to Recognise Languishing in Your Team
Your team might be showing up—but are they switched on? Languishing looks like low energy, flat motivation, and people just going through the motions. It’s not burnout, and it’s not a mental illness. It’s that “meh” feeling that drags on morale and quietly kills momentum.
In our latest survey, employees described it as “feeling stuck,” “disconnected,” “exhausted,” and “like the joy has gone.” They weren’t taking sick leave —they were present, but mentally checked out. That’s presenteeism, and it’s costing your business more than you think.
Knowing the signs means you can step in early—before low energy becomes full disengagement.
Why It Matters to Leaders
Impact on Culture, Retention and Performance
Presenteeism Is Costing You
Employees are showing up but checked out—hurting productivity, creativity, and morale.
Languishing Goes Unseen
It’s not burnout, it’s not illness—but it’s quietly eroding performance, motivation, and connection in your teams every day.
Prevention Starts With Leadership
Languishing thrives in silence. Leaders who act early can prevent burnout, boost engagement, and rebuild resilient teams.
Support Is Falling Short
76% of employees felt unsupported while languishing—your people are struggling silently, and most won’t speak up unless you do.Actionable Support for Your Workplace
Recognising languishing is only the first step—knowing what to do next is where the real change happens. Whether your team is just starting to name what they’re feeling or ready to build momentum, we offer practical, evidence-based solutions to help.
‘Languishing in the Workplace’ workshop is a powerful entry point to raise awareness and spark honest conversations. From there, the Be Well Plan gives individuals the tools and structure to take ownership of their wellbeing and shift out of languishing for good.
By tackling languishing head-on, you’ll help your people show up with more energy and meaning—boosting morale, connection, creativity, and long-term performance.
LANGUISHING WORKSHOP
Help your team recognise the signs, name what they’re feeling, and take the first step toward change with our 'Languishing in the Workplace' workshop.
If your team feels stuck, flat or just “meh,” this workshop helps you name it—and do something about it. Designed for workplaces seeing the signs of languishing, including presenteeism or low energy, this session explores what languishing really is, how it shows up in your workplace, and what to do about it. With practical tools, group reflection and actionable strategies, this workshop is available as a 60- or 120-minute session, tailored to your organisation’s needs.
Ready to go deeper?
For organisations ready to take real action on wellbeing, the Be Well Plan is a 5-week evidence-based program designed to equip individuals with the skills to improve and sustain their mental wellbeing. It’s ideal for teams looking for more structure, accountability, and transformation — beyond a one-off session.
INTENSIVE PROGRAM
Delivered through our evidence-based 5-week program: The Be Well Plan
Take part in a structured, science-backed group program designed to help staff who languish. Over the course of five session participants explore a wide range of activities from mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), to self-compassion and positive psychology. 93% of participants of the be well plan have agreed they gained tools to strengthen wellbeing and/or resilience.
New Data Shows Languishing is Silently Hurting Workplaces
A new survey conducted by mental wellbeing experts here at Be Well Co explored the causes of workplace languishing, its adverse effects on both individuals and organisations, and the evident lack of support in Australian workplaces.91% of those languishing at work also reported languishing at home, confirming the experience spills into personal life and isn’t just “a work issue.”
7b $The Productivity Commission estimates presenteeism is costing Australian workplaces $7 billion every year.
76 %76% of people felt unsupported while languishing – by peers, leaders, or the broader organisation.
The Ripple Effect of Languishing in the Workplace
Languishing doesn’t stay contained. It starts with the individual—low energy, low motivation, low engagement—but it quickly ripples outwards. Teams become less collaborative, creative, and connected. Over time, performance, culture, and business outcomes take a hit. This visual shows just how far the impact of languishing can reach. It will effect: the individual or staff member (tier 1), teams (tier 2) & organisational outcomes (tier 3).
Languishing Through 2 Lenses
Languishing doesn’t always look dramatic — sometimes, it looks like Geoff. Quietly unmotivated. Going through the motions. Or like Natalie, a manager watching her team lose their spark and unsure what to do next. These short videos capture both perspectives: the employee experiencing it, and the leader trying to make sense of it. Watch their stories to see what languishing can look like — and why noticing it matters.
“Meet Geoff” – The Employee Experience
Meet Geoff. He’s showing up—but he’s not really there. In this short video, we follow an employee who’s going through the motions at work, feeling flat, disconnected, and drained. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. This story captures what it looks like to languish in the workplace—and what happens when you decide to make a change. If you've ever felt ‘meh’ for a little too long, this one’s for you.
"Noticing the Shift” – The Manager’s View
Something’s changed in the team—and Natalie can feel it. In this video, we hear from a manager who notices her people withdrawing, slowing down, and losing steam. She’s not sure what to call it at first, but she knows something’s off. This video is for every leader who’s seen the signs of languishing and wondered: what can I actually do about it?
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