Eleanor Hecks
August 4, 2025
How to Combat Leadership Decision Fatigue
Leaders are required to make many decisions daily, but too many decisions can lead to fatigue. Structural gender discrimination in the workplace is known to make women more susceptible to stress. By taking care of themselves, integrating helpful tools and working as a team, women leaders can work toward preventing decision fatigue and burnout.
Causes and Symptoms of Decision Fatigue
Decision fatigue refers to the increased difficulty of decision-making due to exhaustion from making a lot of previous decisions. When you have too many choices to process, you may feel overwhelmed or unable to focus. Here are potential symptoms of decision fatigue:
- Procrastination
- Irritability
- Reduced creativity
- Brain fog
- Impulsivity
- Exhaustion
- Dissatisfaction
Consequences of Decision Fatigue in Women
While anyone can experience decision fatigue, it raises unique challenges for women in leadership positions. A study from 2024 found that 50% of women experience increased stress levels, yet only 43% receive mental health support from employers. Many women have responsibilities alongside their careers, like supporting a household or engaging in their community. Some women worry that voicing their mental health concerns could impact their job stability. This is partially due to ongoing gender discrimination and the wage gap — in the United States, men make 25% more earnings than their female colleagues.
Tips for Effectively Combating Decision Fatigue
Here are four overarching strategies that can help prevent decision fatigue:
Limit Decisions Outside of Work
It is estimated that the average consumer makes 33,000 to 35,000 decisions every day that guide their lives. This encompasses conscious and subconscious choices made during and outside of work. It can be challenging to reduce the number of decisions you make at work, especially if you’re in a leadership position. Create a balance by limiting decision-making outside of the workplace. Having a morning and evening routine or practicing habits like meal-prepping can help reduce your daily decisions. Decision fatigue can lead to poor choices and stress, so it is essential to take time for mental and physical rest and set boundaries. You can limit decisions outside of work by ensuring work-related decisions do not seep into post-work time. Establish clear working hours, and remember, it is OK to wait to handle an issue until you are on the clock.
Prioritize and Delegate Tasks
Women are often hesitant to delegate tasks, leaving themselves with a lot of work to handle alone. Studies have shown that they think of delegation more negatively than men do, often worrying that they may appear too assertive or burdensome. However, delegating decisions can help leaders manage their time and protect their well-being, leading to better work being accomplished. Consider your employees’ strengths and growth areas to appropriately delegate tasks.
Leverage Technology and Automation
Digital tools can help streamline routine choices in many work environments. The use of AI is rising across industries, with approximately 67% of companies using AI to improve efficiency and reduce manual decision-making. Technology can assist with a range of tasks, from communication to workflow management and data analysis. Consider trying these accessible technologies:
- Calendar automations can suggest meeting times to eliminate back-and-forth decisions.
- Task management platforms and checklists can organize tasks and automate reminders.
- Email filtering allows leaders to focus on high-priority messages first.
- Foster a Supportive Culture
Peer support in the workplace can help combat feelings of impostor syndrome
The SurveyCenter of American Life found 41% of men and 59% of women without workplace friends experience self-doubt. Having trusted peers or mentors to turn to can help leaders make good decisions. When people feel they belong, they stay longer and feel more satisfied with their jobs. There are many ways to foster community in work environments, from mentorship programs to team- building events. Employees can support one another by offering practical assistance with tasks and being respectful of others.
Protect Your Decision-Making Capacity and Lead With Confidence
Leaders must prioritize their tasks and find new ways to streamline workflows to keep up with the thousands of decisions made every day. Women in leadership are statistically more likely to feel stress and imposter syndrome, so it is especially important for them to practice self-care strategies. Doing so can enhance their cognitive performance, leading to a more positive and productive workplace.
–Eleanor Hecks is Editor-in-Chief of Designerly Magazine and a frequent contributor to the Momentum blog.
