Tackling Burnout in Higher Education: Insights from Dr. Rebecca Pope-Ruark

In a compelling episode of "I Wanna Work There," Eddie Francis delves into the pervasive issue of burnout in higher education with Dr. Rebecca Pope-Ruark, Director of Faculty Professional Development at Georgia Tech and host of the podcast, The Agile Academic. Together, they explore the nuances of faculty burnout, its impact, and potential strategies for mitigation.

‍

Understanding Faculty Burnout

Rebecca's Burnout Journey

‍Rebecca's story is one of dedication turned detrimental. As a tenured faculty member at a liberal arts institution, she pushed herself to meet escalating expectations, from publishing in top journals to directing innovative programs. However, the pressure took a toll. She recounted the stress of managing a demanding program, which led to severe anxiety and exhaustion. Rebecca's burnout manifested in panic attacks, decision paralysis, and a significant decline in her productivity and well-being.

The Culture of Overachievement

‍Higher education often attracts high achievers who are mission-driven and passionate about their work. This dedication can lead to overextending oneself, especially when institutional cultures perpetuate the need for constant advancement and recognition. Rebecca highlighted the "expectation escalation" in academia, where there is always another milestone to achieve, leaving little room for contentment and recovery.

‍

The Role of Institutions in Burnout

Systemic Stress Factors

‍Burnout in higher education is not just an individual issue but a systemic one. The constant evaluation, ranking, and shifting goalposts create an environment of unrelenting stress. Faculty members often juggle multiple roles, from teaching and research to administrative duties, all while facing pressures related to student retention and institutional survival.

The Need for Institutional Support

‍Rebecca emphasized that burnout is a stress disorder caused by chronic workplace stress. Therefore, institutions must acknowledge their role in contributing to burnout and take proactive steps to support their faculty. This includes providing comprehensive mental health resources, fostering a culture of well-being, and ensuring fair workload distribution.

‍

Strategies for Addressing Burnout

Creating a Culture of Well-being

‍Institutions can start by integrating well-being into their strategic plans, as Georgia Tech has done. This involves recognizing the mental health needs of faculty and staff and committing to creating a supportive work environment. Rebecca suggested that a focus on holistic support, beyond just token wellness programs, is crucial.

Implementing Coaching and Support Systems

‍Rebecca advocates for fostering a coaching culture within institutions. By training mid-level managers, department chairs, and deans in coaching, institutions can offer more personalized support to their faculty. Executive and leadership coaching can also help administrators manage their responsibilities effectively, reducing their stress and improving overall institutional health.

Improving Communication and Access to Resources

‍Effective communication about available resources is essential. Faculty members often overlook HR programs, assuming they are only for staff. Institutions should ensure that all employees are aware of and can easily access mental health and well-being resources. Additionally, creating an environment where seeking help is destigmatized and encouraged is vital for fostering psychological safety.

‍

Moving Forward

Is Reversing Burnout Possible?

‍Rebecca believes that reversing burnout is possible but requires significant changes at both institutional and sector levels. By addressing salary compression, enhancing leave policies, and ensuring competitive benefits, institutions can create a more supportive environment. Consistent efforts to improve the faculty experience, coupled with open discussions about workload and mental health, are steps in the right direction.

Promoting Psychological Safety

‍Creating an atmosphere of psychological safety is paramount. This means ensuring that faculty and staff feel safe to discuss their struggles without fear of repercussion. Training leaders to be empathetic and supportive can significantly impact the well-being of their teams.

‍

Key Takeaways

• Acknowledge Systemic Stress: Recognize that burnout is caused by chronic workplace stress and address systemic issues contributing to it.
• Foster a Culture of Well-being: Integrate well-being into strategic plans and offer comprehensive mental health resources.
• Implement Coaching: Train leaders in coaching to provide personalized support and improve institutional health.
• Improve Communication: Ensure all employees are aware of available resources and foster a culture of psychological safety.

‍

Listen + Learn More

For a deeper understanding of how to tackle burnout in higher education, listen to the full episode of "I Wanna Work There" titled "The Problems With Burnout." Discover more insights and practical strategies to support faculty and staff well-being, and explore related content on the Enrollify Podcast network.