How to Prevent Nonprofit Employee Burnout
February 13, 2025 | Read Time: 2 minutes
The demands of nonprofit work can take a toll on employees, and times of uncertainty just add to the pressure.
The following stories offer advice and approaches to help staff at all levels alleviate stress and help organizations take action to diminish work-related anxiety and prevent employee burnout.
Editor’s note: Chronicle playbooks are updated on an ongoing basis as new advice becomes available.
-
Careers
Sabbaticals Strengthen Leaders and Nonprofits: Here’s How to Recharge
Five nonprofit heads share insights about their recent sabbaticals. Here are their top tips on how and why to take time to recharge, even during challenging moments — and come back stronger. -
Work and Careers
Fundraiser Burnout Is Hurting Charities. New Report Explains Why, Offers Fixes
Fundraisers’ great empathy makes them prone to burnout. Changes in the workplace and by fundraisers themselves can help reduce the problem. -
Leading
How to Lead Well in Uncertain Times
With the second Trump administration on the horizon, experts share tips on communication, well-being, and financial sustainability. -
Finances
The Post-Covid Nonprofit: Burnout, Chaos, and the Search for Staff and New Revenue
The “new normal” is wreaking havoc on staffing, business models, and peace of mind. How the job of leading a charity has become a crisis that never ends. Plus, see the rest of our April issue. -
Opinion
Could Term Limits for Nonprofit Leaders Ease the Burnout Crisis?
Instituting fixed terms for executive directors would allow them to focus on their jobs, then exit before exhaustion sets in. -
Interview
‘Transactional Fundraising’ Is Fueling the Burnout Crisis, Author Says
Mallory Erickson shares how fundraisers and organizations can better align themselves with donors and avoid chronic stress. -
Leading
A Really Tough Job: Nonprofit CEOs Work to Make Their Roles More Manageable
96% of the leaders in the Chronicle’s exclusive survey report a high level of job satisfaction. But the demands are relentless. -
Work and Careers
Low Pay, High Turnover, and Burnout Hurt Social Service Groups During the Pandemic
Some nonprofit leaders were afraid that they might have to close their doors. -
Opinion
Sabbaticals and the Case for More Rest for Leaders of Color
Social change isn’t possible when nonprofit leaders are exhausted. Extended paid leave helped me — and can help others. -
Opinion
Fundraisers Need to Speak Up About Their Challenges — and Funders Need to Listen
Addressing drops in giving starts by giving fundraisers enough support to excel in their jobs.
