Summary
In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the effects of employees being underutilized in the workplace, exploring how it can lead to feelings of disengagement and burnout. She discusses the importance of strategic talent management as a competitive differentiator, and how organizations improve their overall performance by tracking how they best utilize their employees. Christa provides strategies for individuals feeling underutilized, emphasizing the need for open communication with management, determining employee value, and focusing on the pursuit of personal development opportunities. The episode concludes with resources for further exploration of workplace wellbeing and career growth.
Key Takeaways
• Chronically underutilized employees can feel the same effects as burnout.
• Effective talent management is crucial for organizational success.
• Employees can become disengaged when they lack challenges.
• Feeling underutilized can be as detrimental as being overworked.
• Career growth requires self-awareness and proactive steps.
• Resources are available to help individuals navigate workplace challenges.
Additional Resources
Dr. Rebecca Heiss. (2022, April 28). How to get out of “Languishing” [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z38Vo7Or5X4
Flourishing or languishing? What Gies experts say about Workplace Well-Being. (2025, September 22). Gies College of Business. https://giesbusiness.illinois.edu/news/2025/09/22/flourishing-or-languishing--what-gies-experts-say-about-workplace-well-being
Wilding, M. (2022, August 22). 3 Types of burnout, and how to overcome them. https://hbr.org/2022/08/3-types-of-burnout-and-how-to-overcome-them
Video Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:51 Listener Question
02:36 Yes, Languishing at Work is a Thing…
05:10 Feeling Vulnerable While Underutilized is Also a Thing…
07:05 This is When Trust Matters Most: Being Honest About Capacity
08:39 Additional Resources
09:35 Wrap Up and Submitting Your Question
10:36 Contact and Booking Information
Keywords
underutilization, talent management, employee engagement, burnout, workplace wellbeing, career growth, organizational performance, self-awareness, productivity, work-life balance
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Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate, reliable, and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while seeking additional professional advice when needed.
As such, the content of this podcast does not constitute legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for guidance from qualified professionals who can consider your specific circumstances. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.
