Faculty burnout is real and likely affecting many in higher education right now. Faculty members are reporting higher levels of stress due to various factors. Here’s a summary of the key points I shared recently at a higher education institution, which might be helpful for others in the field.
Understanding Faculty Burnout
1. Student Mental Health Needs: The increasing mental health needs of students directly impact faculty. A survey found that 50% of faculty reported that supporting students has taken a toll on their own emotional health, and 81% believe their institution should invest more in faculty and staff mental health and wellbeing.
2. Increased Faculty-Student Interaction: Students are seeking more connection with faculty for career guidance, support in developing career direction, and help navigating college life. Faculty naturally want to offer this support, as it aligns with their career interests and improves student learning outcomes.
3. Emotional Exhaustion: An Inside Higher Ed survey from February 2023 found that 38% of faculty members often or always feel emotionally exhausted, 33% feel physically exhausted, and 40% feel worn out. Students are noticing this exhaustion, observing that their professors appear disorganized or stressed.
Overall, faculty are finding the job increasingly challenging, making it difficult to support students fully. This emotional labor often disproportionately affects women faculty and faculty of color, who take on additional “volunteer duties” to support diversity missions without much institutional recognition.
Tips to Resist/Prevent Burnout
While structural issues play a significant role, individual actions can help manage burnout. Here are some tips:
1. Prioritize Self-Care: Self-care is crucial for faculty facing burnout. It varies for each person and should align with personal values and what feels meaningful. Activities might include sleep, nutrition, hydration, exercise, nature, social connections, spirituality, and hobbies.
2. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between professional and personal life. Communicate your limits directly and clearly to set realistic expectations.
3. Adapt to Change: Stay engaged by maintaining a growth mindset and curiosity. Explore resources and tools that can streamline tasks, time management, lesson plans, and research.
4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as self-compassion and gratitude exercises, can help connect with emotions nonjudgmentally and ground oneself. Loving-kindness meditation is my personal favorite.
5. Connect with Community: Engage with intellectual, professional, cultural, spiritual, and affinity-based communities. These connections provide networking opportunities, human connection, resources, and fresh perspectives.
6. Engage in Professional Development: Participate in professional development opportunities to align with your sense of purpose and meaning in life.
7. Ask for Help: Normalize seeking help, especially for junior faculty. Connecting with mentors, coaches, or consultants can provide guidance and help develop skills not directly related to your professional expertise. Check out a limited time discounted coaching offering to women faculty here.
Top Motivators to Stay in the Profession
A 2023 Inside Higher Ed survey identified the top motivators for faculty to stay in higher education:
- Flexible schedule/autonomy/telecommunication
- Innovation/serving the public/community/mission identity
- Living area
- Job security
- Advancement opportunities
- Salary
- Benefits
- Training and development
- Recognition
Reflect on the reasons that inspired you to join this profession and offer gratitude for your investment in meaningful work. What motivates you to stay in higher education? Take a moment to remember and appreciate those reasons.
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