The Need for R.E.S.T.

About the episode: In higher ed, faculty and staff feel the constant crush of research, student enrollment goals, teaching loads, projects that need to be managed, fundraising goals, and more. We know, all too well, that the pressures of the job aren’t going anywhere. Kim Gordon believes that it is important to feel a sense of affirmation and validation through work amid these pressures. She sees that happening for faculty and staff through a spirit of R.E.S.T.:  Reflecting, reEnergizing, Strategizing, and Thriving. 

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In this episode, you will hear about the following:

1. How to gain a sense of affirmation and validation through work.
2. How to incorporate R.E.S.T. into the work you do.
3. Which types of leaders can help faculty and staff experience R.E.S.T.

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Episode Summary

Why Is Affirmation and Validation Important in Higher Education Workplaces?

Dr. Kim Gordon emphasizes that higher ed professionals are driven by a strong sense of mission, often intertwining their identities with their work. In this sector, providing employees with affirmation and validation is crucial to help them feel appreciated and aligned with the institution’s mission. Dr. Gordon explains that faculty and staff, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, face unique challenges in balancing their professional and personal identities within a historically rigid system. By fostering a culture of inclusion and validation, institutions can create environments where employees feel a true sense of belonging, ultimately leading to greater engagement and lower burnout.

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What Is the REST Framework and How Can It Combat Burnout?

Dr. Gordon’s REST framework—Reflection, Re-energizing, Strategizing, and Thriving—offers a structured approach for professionals to manage stress and cultivate well-being. The first step, Reflection, encourages individuals to step back, consider their goals, and align with their values, while Re-energizing focuses on activities that restore mental and physical energy. Strategizing involves creating realistic, actionable plans to achieve long-term success, and Thriving represents the culmination of these steps, helping individuals achieve sustainable success. Dr. Gordon points out that fostering REST within workplace culture helps employees reconnect with their purpose and boosts productivity without succumbing to exhaustion.

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How Can Leaders in Higher Education Foster a Culture of REST?

For institutions to foster an environment conducive to REST, Dr. Gordon highlights the need for transformational leaders who are adaptable, empathetic, and forward-thinking. Higher education often requires leaders who can challenge the status quo and encourage collaborative decision-making, she says. Leaders must recognize that their own well-being impacts the culture they create, so investing in self-care and continuous personal development is essential. Dr. Gordon suggests implementing programs that support emotional well-being, offer opportunities for team-building, and develop clear, values-driven onboarding processes to help new hires feel connected and valued.

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About the Show: I Wanna Work There! takes a look at how colleges and universities can develop competitive, compelling employer brands. Join us for an honest and solutions-based look at the issues that surround institutions positioning themselves as employers of choice.

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network: I Wanna Work There is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager and Talking Tactics. 

Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.