Strategies for Reversing & Preventing Burn-out. CT Association of Nonprofits Conference November 6, 2014

Transcription

1 Strategies for Reversing & Preventing Burn-out CT Association of Nonprofits Conference November 6, 2014

2 Workshop Objectives 1. Discuss burn out & its causes. 2. Learn about its prevalence & costs. 3. Explore solutions to burn out. 4. Share ideas for reversing & preventing it.

3 What is Burn Out? burn out phrasal verb of burn 1. t0 be completely consumed and thus no longer aflame.

4 More About Burn Out Burn out is a psychological term that refers long-term exhaustion and diminished interest in work, resulting from chronic occupational stress, which occurs when someone feels overwhelmed by and is unable to meet constant demands. A recent study showed that about 90% of burned out workers meet diagnostic criteria for depression.

5 Still More About Burn Out Burn out is a state of chronic stress that leads to: *Physical and emotional exhaustion *Cynicism and detachment *Feelings of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment

6 Causes Long hours Low salaries Level of sacrifice required Lack of acknowledgement No upward mobility Failure to invest in staff & training Lack of ROI Short-term view of the sector Others?

7 The Cost Accidents Absenteeism Turn-over Lower productivity Good will Knowledge capital Medical costs/disability Cost of extra staffing to cover absences Others?

8 Burn Out vs. Fight/Flight What is fight or flight? How do our bodies respond to it? Burnout is very similar, but doesn't happen suddenly. Its nature is insidious, creeping up on us over time. There are warning signs that show up along the path to burn-out.

9 Signs & Symptoms Physical/Emotional Exhaustion Chronic fatigue, exhaustion Insomnia Impaired concentration, forgetfulness, etc. Physical symptoms (heart palpitations, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, etc.) Illness Loss of appetite Increased anxiety Depression Grouchy, on a short fuse

10 Signs & Symptoms Cynicism and Detachment Loss of energy Pessimism Isolation Disconnected

11 Signs & Symptoms Ineffectiveness, Lack of Accomplishment Apathy, hopelessness Increased irritability Lower level of productivity, mistakes, poor performance Lack of motivation Interpersonal/relationship problems

12 Prevalence of Burn Out How many of us know someone who is or has been burned out? How many of us are or have been burned out? In a recent survey of nearly 6,000 nonprofit employees around the country, there is a reported rise in burn out rates. 3 out of 4 executive directors plan to leave their jobs in the next five years and 69% of employees surveyed report increasing frustration with their career. Is the future of the sector at risk?

13 The Workplace is Changing Today s employees are looking for: A greater sense of meaning in their work A better balance of work and family life Transparency Input Fairness Opportunities to learn and grow

14 Is it Time for a New Paradigm? With Boomers aging out of the marketplace at the rate of 10,000 per day! it s important for us to spend more time and energy investing in our employees.

15 Strategy - Collaborate Employ a collaborative leadership style. Figure out ways to engage your employees/supervisees and provide them with opportunities for input and influence. But remember voice vs. vote!

16 Strategy Collaborate More Have your employees work in teams as often as possible, particularly across departments. Not only does this help with cross-fertilization, it provides people with the opportunity to make new connections. It helps build a culture of appreciation for and understanding of one another s jobs. (Ex: finance and fundraising folks, program line staff and managers, etc.)

17 Strategy Collaborate Even More Be transparent about important issues (such as finances) and decisions that impact your employees (such as changes to health care plans). Ask your employees if they feel your policies, procedures, practices and norms are fair. If they feel they are not, engage them in fixing the problem(s). Sit down & discuss each employee s professional and personal goals. Do what you can do to help them realize these.

18 Strategy - Celebrate Provide acknowledgement, praise, and recognition, preferably in public. Give gift cards to employees who go above and beyond (solicit these from area businesses). Close down early on a Friday, send everyone home (this includes YOU!).

19 Strategy Celebrate Some More! Hand out compliments on hand-written notecards. Give someone a surprise day off and/or let them take their birthday off. Have an annual employee dinner or picnic. Invite them to bring family/friends.

20 Strategy - Compensate Use a Paid Time Off model this provides employees with the maximum amount of autonomy and flexibility while helping address the work/family balance. Focus on Total Compensation what is the total value of salary and all benefits?

21 Strategy Compensate Some More Invest in employees by: Making sure they understand how important and meaningful their work is Giving them breaks between projects Creating a No Martyrs Rule/No Work at Home Policy (that means YOU have to set an example!)

22 Strategy Compensate Even More Other ways to invest in your employees: Provide them with opportunities to learn and grow on the job and through professional development Provide them with regular opportunities to socialize, both among themselves and with board members

23 Taking the Long View If we really want to change ameliorate and prevent employee burn out, we need to look at better compensation. We need to fight for our fair share of the pie and speak up about the value of the sector. When people ask us to do more with less, our answer needs to be NO.

24 Your Turn! 1) Use the notecards that were on your seat to jot down 3 ways we can reverse and prevent employee burn out. 2) When you re done, circulate around the room and compare notes with others. 1. 3) Then we ll come back together as a group and share some of our favorite ideas!

25 Suggested Resources Dan Pallotta s Ted Talk: _charity_is_dead_wrong?language=en Employee-Centered Management: The Coming Revolution in Social Services Paperback by Larry Wenger The Greater Good: How Philanthropy Drives the American Economy and Can Save Capitalism by Claire Gaudiani

26 An Opportunity to Learn More

27 Contact Information Sarah Lange, MSW Principal & Founder 5 Edgewood Street Worcester, MA Phone : sarah@newera4nonprofits.com The material contained within these pages is propriety. While I am happy to allow you to share this with people at your organization, I ask that you not reproduce or disseminate it to others without my express written permission. Thanks for respecting my intellectual property!