Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when we feel totally overwhelmed and emotionally drained by demanding situations.
Charity staff are no strangers to burnout. Burnout costs charities creativity, productivity and money. It is a particular challenge for fundraisers because of the stresses of raising money, which charities depend upon. Fundraisers are often expected to meet huge targets or even raise the entire budget of a charity by themselves, with little to no training, support, or sufficient infrastructure for fundraising. Many fundraisers feel personally responsible for the whole success or failure of the charities that they work for. So, it is no surprise to read reports that burnout is on the rise among fundraising professionals.
To people who fall victim to burnout, it can have a long-term damaging effect on both health and wellbeing, so it is vital that we identify the symptoms and focus on getting a handle on stress.
Strategies for avoiding burnout
Identify what triggers stress
Identifying what causes stress and being aware of what happens to you and what you do is really useful in helping you avoid and manage the stress. Common triggers include – Workload, Fairness, Control, Reward and Community.
Take control of your workload
Taking control of your workload can really help you prioritise your tasks and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. Make time for yourself and don’t be afraid to delegate or say no to things. If you constantly put everyone before yourself, it can lead to being quickly overwhelmed.
Work with purpose
Focus on the tasks you most enjoy and find the most meaningful. Stay focused, mono-task, don’t multi-task and minimise distractions. Having a career with a deeper purpose can go a long way in helping you avoid burnout.
Give to others
Helping or giving to others is well known to make us feel good. Even the smallest act of kindness can re-energise you and help you find meaning in your work.
Lead a more balanced lifestyle
Exercise is great at helping us relax, unwind and improve our wellbeing. Practising mediation is a great way of keeping calm when we feel we are becoming overwhelmed. Make a commitment to look after yourself and create a healthy well-balanced lifestyle.
What can charities do to prevent burnout?
Charities, like any other organisation, can take several measures to prevent staff burnout. Here are some strategies that charitable organisations can implement:
Flexible Work Arrangements
Offer flexible work schedules, remote work options, or compressed workweeks to provide employees with a better work-life balance.
Encourage Time Out
Encourage staff to take their allocated holidays and personal days. Emphasise the importance of rest and recovery.
Training and Skill Development
Offer training and development opportunities to help employees develop new skills and avoid stagnation, which can contribute to burnout.
Manage Workloads
Ensure that workloads are distributed fairly among the staff. Avoid overloading individuals with too many responsibilities.
Open Communication
Encourage open communication between management and staff. Ensure that employees feel comfortable discussing their workload, concerns, and stressors.
Mental Health Support
Provide access to mental health resources, such as counselling or therapy services. Offer workshops or seminars on stress management and mental wellness.
Recognition and Appreciation
Recognise and appreciate employees for their hard work and accomplishments. Celebrate milestones and achievements. Fundraisers are under so much pressure; appreciating this and celebrating impact is crucial.
Promote a Healthy Work Environment
Foster a workplace culture that promotes health and well-being. This could include ergonomic workstations, designated break areas, and wellness programs.
Establish Boundaries
Encourage a healthy balance between work and personal life by respecting employees’ off-hours. Avoid expecting staff to be constantly available outside of their designated work hours.
Regular Check-ins
Conduct regular check-ins with staff to assess their workload, stress levels, and overall well-being. Address concerns and provide necessary support.
By creating an open and supportive culture, we can create a more supportive and healthy work environment and tackle burnout.
Support for managing career stress and avoiding burnout in the charity sector
If you’re feeling the pressure of the fundraising world, Aquilas can help you find a role that supports your wellbeing and growth. Email kieran@aquilas.co.uk or call 0775 125 0774. You can also browse our latest charity job vacancies to explore fresh opportunities.
