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Engagement vs. Burnout: What Companies Keep Getting Wrong—and How to Fix It with Stavy Papasotiriou



In this episode, our guest host Anaïs welcomes Stavy Papasotiriou to explore one of today’s most critical workplace challenges: employee engagement. Despite companies worldwide investing heavily in benefits and perks to boost engagement, global engagement levels remain disappointingly low. So, what are organisations missing?

Anaïs and Stavy examine why traditional approaches often fall flat, discussing how HR departments may be misinterpreting engagement and relying on superficial benefits instead of addressing core psychological needs. Drawing from organisational psychology, they define what true engagement looks like—and how it differs from mere job satisfaction.

The conversation also touches on the pivotal link between engagement and burnout, exploring how an engaged employee is essentially the positive counterpart to a burned-out one. Anaïs and Stavy share insights on how to spot burnout within a team and identify early signs before it escalates.

Join us for practical strategies and best practices for creating a culture that not only maximizes engagement but also minimizes burnout, paving the way for happier, more productive teams. Whether you're an HR professional, manager, or employee, this episode offers valuable takeaways on ensuring genuine engagement in any workplace.

Stavy Papasotiriou

Stavy Papasotiriou

Work Unlocked Founder
We all seek happiness at work—not only because we spend so much of our lives there, but because work can be a deep source of purpose and meaning. As an organizational psychologist and employee happiness expert, I partner with organizations to create healthier, more inspiring, and high-performance workplaces. Through strategic audits and consulting, I design tailored approaches that elevate employee engagement, resilience, and psychological well-being. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with companies and non-profits worldwide, implementing strategies and interventions rooted in positive organizational psychology to reduce stress, boost retention, and craft fulfilling roles.

Beyond consulting, I lecture on human resources management and research methods at HfWU University, equipping future HR leaders with essential skills. I also serve as Transform’s Global Lead Ambassador, championing conversations that help shape a better world of work.

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