The Hidden Cost of Decision Fatigue in the Workplace – Protect Your Energy

Why Do Small Decisions Feel So Hard?

Have you ever found yourself staring at your wardrobe, completely stuck on what to wear? Or hovering in front of the fridge trying to figure out what to eat for breakfast—despite having food options in front of you? It can feel ridiculous, even frustrating. “Why am I already overwhelmed, and the day hasn’t even properly started yet?”

The answer might not be what you think. You’re not lazy, broken, or failing at life. You might just be experiencing decision fatigue.

What Is Decision Fatigue?

Decision fatigue is a psychological phenomenon where the quality of our decisions deteriorates after a long session of decision-making. It was first described by social psychologist Roy Baumeister, who found that our brains have a limited supply of mental energy to use on decisions each day. Once that energy starts to run low, we start to feel mentally exhausted, indecisive, or irritable.

And it doesn’t just affect big life decisions. In fact, it often shows up first in the tiny, everyday choices we make without even thinking: what to wear, what to eat, whether to check your emails before or after that meeting.

By the time you reach your desk in the morning, you may have already made dozens of decisions: whether to hit snooze, what to wear, whether to pack lunch or grab something on the go, whether to stop for coffee, how to respond to a message, what route to take to work… and the list goes on.

Why Everyday Life Can Feel Mentally Draining

Daily life often comes with a constant stream of micro-decisions. Even on relatively calm days, we’re faced with choices about time management, communication, planning, and prioritising. That steady mental load slowly chips away at our cognitive capacity, especially if we’re juggling multiple roles or under pressure.

If you’re already managing high levels of stress, navigating complex responsibilities, or going through a significant life change, your decision-making energy might be tapped out before the day has even properly begun.

And here’s something that’s often overlooked: small decisions can feel just as heavy as big ones when your brain is under pressure. Especially if you’re someone who tends toward overthinking or perfectionism, even the question of what to eat for lunch can become mentally exhausting.

The Science Behind It

Research shows that our brains don’t categorise decisions by size. To your cognitive system, every choice is a problem to solve. That includes what email to reply to first, how to word your Teams message, or what to tackle next on your to-do list.

Add anxiety or burnout to the mix, and things get even harder. Your brain uses a significant amount of energy just to manage emotions and regulate stress. When that energy is diverted to emotional coping, there’s less available for making decisions, even basic ones.

This is why some people describe feeling like they’re in a fog, or like every choice feels disproportionately difficult. They’re not being dramatic—their brains are genuinely overwhelmed.

Signs You Might Be Experiencing Decision Fatigue

• You feel mentally tired early in the day
• You struggle to start tasks because you can’t decide what to do first
• You procrastinate or avoid making decisions altogether
• You feel irritable or short-tempered with small interruptions
• You default to familiar routines, even when they’re not effective
• You end up making impulsive or poor-quality choices by the end of the day

 

What Leaders and Team Members Need to Know

If you’re leading a team, it’s important to recognise that decision fatigue isn’t just an individual issue—it affects the whole workplace.

Employees dealing with decision fatigue are less productive, more error-prone, and more likely to avoid taking responsibility or making proactive choices. It doesn’t mean they don’t care. It means their mental load is maxed out.

This can show up as:

• Delays in communication or missed deadlines
• Difficulty prioritising tasks or staying focused
• Avoidance of meetings or decision-making processes
• Increased reliance on others to tell them what to do

 

So What Can We Do About It?

Here are five practical ways to reduce decision fatigue—for yourself or your team:

1. Create Default Settings

Reduce the number of decisions you need to make by establishing simple routines or go-to options:

• Rotate 2-3 easy breakfast or lunch meals
• Choose your clothes the night before
• Set recurring calendar blocks for focused work, email checks, or breaks
• Use templates for common tasks or emails

These aren’t restrictions—they’re shortcuts that conserve brainpower.

 

2. Automate the Obvious

Take advantage of technology to automate recurring tasks:

• Set up recurring grocery orders or weekly meal plans
• Use reminders for routine admin or household tasks
• Use scheduling tools for regular meetings or follow-ups

Think of these as mental “autopilots”. The fewer low-stakes choices you have to make, the more energy you have for the ones that matter.

 

3. Front-Load Important Decisions

Make your most important decisions when your mental energy is highest—often earlier in the day. If possible, block out time in the morning for strategic work, and leave routine or admin tasks for later in the day.

 

4. Be Kind to Yourself During High-Pressure Periods

If you know you’re heading into a demanding week, make things easier for yourself. Don’t overcrowd your schedule. Try to build in moments of quiet or buffer time, so you can ease into your responsibilities without mental overload.

If you’re a leader, consider creating clarity for your team at the start of the day or week. A clear roadmap can reduce unnecessary decision-making and help everyone focus their energy where it’s needed most.

 

5. Rest Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Strategy

If you’re feeling indecisive, foggy, or overwhelmed, it might not mean you need to try harder. It might mean you need to stop and reset.

Taking real breaks, getting enough sleep, and stepping away from constant stimulation (like screens and notifications) helps restore your cognitive resources. A well-rested brain makes better decisions.

 

It’s Not Laziness, It’s Load

We often judge ourselves harshly for struggling with what seem like basic choices. But if you’re carrying a high cognitive or emotional load, those choices are not basic—they’re just the tip of the iceberg.

So if life feels harder than it should, it’s worth asking: What can I simplify? What can I automate? What do I actually need today?

Decision fatigue is real, but it’s also manageable. And by lightening the load on the small stuff, you free up energy for the things that truly matter.

 

Do you want more tools to help your team show up with clarity, energy, and focus—even under pressure?
I offer workplace training that combines neuroscience with practical wellbeing strategies for real-life performance. Let’s talk!