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  • Shelly Starks on Reigniting Passion and Prioritizing Wellbeing
    2024/09/23

    On this episode of The Truth About Burnout podcast, we are honored to feature Shelly Starks, the CEO of Inline Consulting Services, LLC. With over 20 years of experience in both Extended DISC® coaching and business advising, Shelly has been a transformative force in communications coaching within the business community. Her expertise lies in helping businesses and individuals understand behavioral styles and team dynamics to unlock scalable growth. Shelly is deeply passionate about helping businesses realize the ROI of investing in their people, making her insights invaluable for anyone looking to foster a healthy, productive work environment.

    Shelly's personal journey with burnout adds a compelling layer to her professional achievements. As a high achiever from a young age, she found herself exhausted in her career by 2022, not living authentically, and facing significant health challenges, including a radical hysterectomy that led to early menopause. As a breast cancer survivor, she navigated the complex road to hormone replacement therapy, all while grappling with the mental, emotional, and physical tolls of burnout. On this episode, Shelly shares how she rediscovered her spark for life through career coaching, grounding techniques, and prioritizing self-care, offering listeners powerful strategies for overcoming burnout.

    [00:00 - 05:30] Introduction to Shelly Starks

    • Introduction to Shelly Starks, CEO of Inline Consulting Services, LLC.
    • Overview of Shelly's 20+ years of experience in Extended DISC® coaching and business advising.
    • Discussion on the importance of understanding behavioral styles for scalable growth.

    [05:31 - 12:15] Shelly's High Achiever Mindset

    • Shelly shares her journey as a high achiever since childhood.
    • How the high achiever mindset has both served and sabotaged her over the years.
    • Insights into the pressure and expectations that come with being a high achiever.

    [12:16 - 20:00] The Burnout Experience (2022)

    • Shelly describes her exhaustion and lack of authenticity in her career leading up to 2022.
    • The impact of her radical hysterectomy and the onset of full-blown menopause at 45.
    • Challenges faced as a breast cancer survivor, especially in managing hormone replacement therapy.

    [20:01 - 28:45] Recovery Strategies

    • Shelly's path to recovery, including working with a career coach to reignite her passion.
    • The role of calming techniques such as grounding, meditation, and breathwork in her healing process.
    • Importance of prioritizing "me" time and self-care at home.

    [28:46 - 35:00] The ROI of Investing in People

    • How Shelly helps businesses find ROI in investing in their people through communications coaching.
    • The tangible progress her clients achieve by focusing on team dynamics and behavioral styles.
    • Closing thoughts on the importance of addressing burnout in the workplace.


    Guest Links:


    Website: https://shellystarks.com/

    Social Media Links:

    LinkedIn

    Facebook

    Instagram

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    33 分
  • Energy vs Stress Management: Balancing Non-Profit Workloads
    2024/09/23
    In the non-profit sector, where your passion and purpose drive your daily grind, the threat of burnout is a shadow that often lingers just a little bit too close. You pour your heart into your work, striving to make a meaningful impact on your corner of the world, but this relentless dedication can take a toll. As a leader, you bear the responsibility of supporting your team while grappling with your own burnout. Understanding and addressing the difference between energy management and stress management is crucial for sustainable productivity and well-being. Let’s take a moment to talk about these concepts and how they can help you find balance in your workloads and those of your team. The Heart of Burnout in Non-Profits Burnout in non-profits is often a result of your deep emotional investment in your work. You care deeply about your mission, which can make the stakes feel incredibly high. This emotional intensity, combined with limited resources and high demands, creates a perfect storm for burnout. It's not just about managing the stress of the workload; it’s about managing your energy in a way that allows you to sustain your passion without depleting your reserves. Understanding Stress Management Stress management is often the first thing that comes to mind when you think about coping with burnout. It involves techniques and strategies to reduce the physical and emotional strain that stress causes. This can include mindfulness practices, exercise, adequate sleep, and time management strategies. While these are essential, they often address the symptoms rather than the root cause of burnout. The Role of Energy Management Energy management, on the other hand, focuses on maintaining and optimizing your physical, emotional, mental, and fulfillment energy. It’s about understanding how different tasks and interactions either drain or replenish your energy. By recognizing this, you can structure your days to balance energy expenditure with activities that rejuvenate you. This proactive approach can help prevent burnout before it starts, rather than just mitigating its effects. Key Differences Between Energy and Stress Management To truly support your team and yourself, you need to understand the key differences between energy management and stress management: Focus: Stress management often focuses on minimizing negative outcomes, whereas energy management is about maximizing positive energy.Approach: Stress management is reactive, dealing with stress after it has occurred. Energy management is proactive, aiming to maintain a consistent flow of energy.Impact: While stress management can reduce the immediate effects of burnout, energy management helps build long-term resilience and sustainability. Implementing Energy Management in Non-Profits So, how can you incorporate energy management into your non-profit work? Here are some strategies: Identify Energy Drainers and Boosters: Encourage your team to identify tasks and activities that drain their energy and those that boost it. Create a balance between these activities throughout the day.Flexible Planning Based on Current Energy Levels: Look ahead and adjust your tasks based on the kind of energy you have that day. If you’re low on mental or emotional energy, choose simpler tasks or look for ways to make your day easier. If you’re low on physical energy, choose tasks that require more brain-power and make sure to take short rest breaks to continue to boost your energy. It’s important that you not only do this for yourself, but also demonstrate and support your team to do it as well.Promote Breaks and Downtime: Encourage regular breaks and ensure your team takes adequate time off. Downtime is crucial for recharging energy levels.Cultivate a Positive Work Environment: Foster a supportive and positive work culture. Recognition, appreciation, and a sense of belonging can significantly boost emotional energy.Professional Development: Invest in training and development that focuses on personal growth and well-being, not just job skills. This can empower your team and help them manage their energy more effectively. Practical Steps for Leaders As a leader, you have to walk the talk. Your team looks to you for cues on how to handle workload and stress. By prioritizing your own energy management, you set a powerful example. This means being open about your own struggles with burnout, practicing self-care, and showing that it’s okay to prioritize well-being. Self-Awareness: Reflect on your own energy levels and identify what drains and replenishes you. Share these insights with your team to foster a culture of openness.Set Boundaries: Clearly define work and personal boundaries. Respect these boundaries yourself and encourage your team to do the same.Delegate and Empower: Trust your team with responsibilities and delegate tasks. This not only reduces your workload but also empowers your team members and builds their confidence.Regular Check-Ins: Have ...
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    12 分
  • Functional Medicine and Burnout: Discovering the Roots of Wellness with Dr. Laura Miles
    2024/09/09

    In this episode, Avery sits down with Dr. Laura Miles, a physician who transitioned from a career in ophthalmology to functional medicine after experiencing severe burnout. Dr. Miles shares her personal journey of juggling a demanding career, raising two children, and the eventual realization that she was suffering from burnout—a condition she initially didn't recognize.

    Dr. Miles delves into the physical and emotional toll burnout took on her, recounting the moment she realized something had to change. She explains how she discovered functional medicine and how it helped her address the root causes of her exhaustion, including adrenal fatigue. Avery and Dr. Miles discuss the importance of recognizing early signs of burnout, the role of stress management, and how to effectively implement boundaries and lifestyle changes to achieve long-term health and well-being.

    Episode Highlights:

    [00:05] - Introduction to the Episode

    • Avery introduces Laura, expressing excitement for the conversation and highlighting the value of sharing personal stories.

    [00:36] - Laura's Journey as a High Achiever

    • Laura shares her background as a physician and a busy mother. She discusses how her demanding lifestyle led her to juggle multiple responsibilities, eventually leading to stress and burnout.

    [01:43] - Recognizing Burnout Symptoms

    • Laura details the physical and emotional signs of burnout she experienced, including exhaustion, irritability, memory lapses, and word inversions.

    [03:10] - Misdiagnosing Burnout

    • Laura explains how she initially failed to recognize her symptoms as burnout and sought help for what she believed were physical ailments, only to be told she was fine.

    [04:01] - The Turning Point

    • A critical moment when Laura realized the severity of her situation: she had to leave a sticky note on her dashboard to remember to pick up her kids. This incident motivated her to take action.

    [05:41] - Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

    • Laura introduces the concept of adrenal fatigue, explaining the role of the adrenal glands in stress response and how prolonged stress can lead to adrenal burnout.

    [07:06] - Testing for Adrenal Fatigue

    • Discussion on how traditional medical tests often miss adrenal fatigue and the importance of using salivary tests and other methods to accurately diagnose the condition.

    [08:49] - Strategies for Overcoming Burnout

    • Laura shares the multifactorial approach she took to recover, including stress management, targeted supplements, and setting boundaries.

    [12:40] - Early Warning Signs of Burnout

    • Laura discusses the importance of recognizing early signs of burnout and how she now manages stress by regularly assessing her workload and boundaries.

    [15:28] - Laura's Career Transition

    • Laura describes how her personal health crisis led her to discover functional medicine, which eventually became her new career path. She now runs a successful functional medicine practice.

    [17:57] - Resources and Final Thoughts

    • Laura provides information on where listeners can find more about her work, including her website and courses on understanding lab work and optimizing health.

    Guest Links:

    Website: www.lauramilesmd.com

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    23 分
  • Managing Team Burnout with 7 Easy Strategies
    2024/09/02
    If we don’t address burnout in our non-profit teams, the consequences can be severe and far-reaching. When burnout goes unchecked, it can lead to a noticeable decline in productivity and efficiency. Team members who are burnt out often struggle to maintain their performance, leading to missed deadlines, lower quality work, and decreased client satisfaction. The impact on team morale can be devastating. A stressed and exhausted team is less likely to collaborate effectively, leading to increased conflicts and a fractured work environment. This not only hampers our ability to fulfill our mission but also creates a toxic culture that’s hard to repair. High turnover rates are another critical issue. Burnout is a leading cause of employee turnover, which can be particularly damaging for non-profits that rely on experienced and passionate staff. The costs of recruiting, training, and integrating new team members can drain our already limited resources. Our reputation can also take a hit. Non-profits thrive on public trust and community support. Persistent burnout can lead to negative perceptions, diminishing donor confidence and reducing funding opportunities. Ultimately, ignoring burnout undermines our mission, risking our long-term sustainability and impact. Addressing burnout is not just about supporting individual well-being; it's about safeguarding our future and ensuring we continue to serve our community effectively. As leaders, we are expected to support and rejuvenate our teams. But what happens when we, too, are feeling the weight of burnout? Here are 7 easy strategies for managing team burnout at your non-profit. Strategy #1 - Recognize and Acknowledge Burnout First and foremost, recognizing burnout in ourselves and our teams is crucial. Burnout can manifest as physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion, and it often includes feelings of cynicism, detachment, and a sense of ineffectiveness. Acknowledging these signs is not a sign of weakness but an important step toward recovery. Not sure if your team is burnt out or not? Take the free quiz here. Action Steps for Managing Team Burnout: Self-reflection: Take a moment to honestly assess your own state. Are you feeling overwhelmed, drained, or unusually irritable?Open communication: Encourage an environment where team members feel safe to express their struggles without fear of judgment or repercussion.Visible symptoms: Watch for changes in productivity, increased absenteeism, or signs of disengagement in your team. Recognizing these signs allows us to address burnout proactively rather than reactively, setting the stage for effective recovery strategies. Strategy #2 - Prioritize Self-Care to Lead by Example It might feel counterintuitive to focus on self-care when your team needs you, but you cannot pour from an empty cup. As leaders, modeling healthy behaviors can encourage our team to do the same. Action Steps for Managing Team Burnout: Set boundaries: Establish and maintain clear work-life boundaries to avoid further depletion.Engage in restorative activities: Whether it’s reading, meditation, or a hobby, make time for activities that rejuvenate your spirit.Seek support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help or lean on your personal support network. By prioritizing self-care, we demonstrate that well-being is a priority and create a culture where it’s okay to take time for oneself. Strategy #3 - Foster a Supportive Work Environment Creating a supportive atmosphere where your team feels valued and understood can significantly mitigate burnout. This involves both structural changes and cultural shifts. Action Steps for Managing Team Burnout: Flexible work arrangements: Offer flexible hours or remote work options to accommodate personal needs.Regular check-ins: Hold regular one-on-one meetings to connect with team members on a personal level, not just a professional one.Mental health resources: Provide access to mental health resources such as counseling services, wellness programs, and stress management workshops. These steps help build a resilient team that can handle stress better and recover more quickly from burnout. Strategy #4 - Delegate and Distribute Workload One of the most effective ways to manage burnout is to ensure that workloads are balanced and manageable. Effective delegation is key here. Action Steps for Managing Team Burnout: Assess workloads: Regularly review the distribution of tasks to ensure no one is overwhelmed.Empower team members: Trust your team with responsibilities and encourage them to take ownership of their tasks.Cross-training: Provide training so team members can support each other during high-stress periods, ensuring that no one person is indispensable. Effective delegation not only helps manage your own burnout but also empowers your team and fosters a sense of shared responsibility. Strategy #5 - Encourage Open Dialogue About Burnout Creating a culture where burnout can be openly discussed...
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    15 分
  • Overcoming Burnout: From High Achiever to Empowering Introverts with Serena Low
    2024/08/26

    In this insightful episode, Avery Thatcher engages in a deep conversation with Serena, an advocate for introverts and the host of the Quiet Warrior Podcast. They explore the challenges of high achievers, the emotional turmoil of burnout, and the empowering journey towards self-discovery and authenticity. Serena shares her personal story of navigating societal and familial expectations, the struggles of being a people pleaser, and the pivotal moments that led her to work exclusively with introverts seeking visibility. She offers valuable insights on embracing one's unique path and the importance of micro-actions in sustaining personal growth.

    Serena Low is a trauma-informed introvert coach who helps quiet achievers grow into Quiet Warriors, using their natural strengths to thrive in an extrovert-biased culture. During the 2020 lockdowns, Serena founded two online communities to foster social connection among introverts: Quiet Women Circle and Introverts Around the World. She is the host of The Quiet Warrior Podcast and the author of the Amazon bestseller, The Hero Within: Reinvent Your Life, One New Chapter at a Time. Serena grew up in Singapore and has called Australia home since 2006.


    Episode Highlights:

    Serena’s Current Focus (00:16):

    • Serena works with introverts, particularly those who are high achievers and have been hiding behind societal expectations. She helps them become more visible and express their true selves.

    Serena’s High Achiever Background (03:14):

    • From a young age, Serena was pushed to excel academically, leading to feelings of inadequacy and pressure to perform at a high standard.

    Early Signs of Burnout (05:06):

    • Serena began noticing signs of burnout as early as 19, feeling overwhelmed and pressured to maintain a façade of success.

    Breaking Point and Major Life Changes (07:52):

    • Facing multiple challenges, including a miscarriage, Serena left her law career and moved to Australia, marking a turning point in her journey towards self-discovery.

    Allowing the Consequences (12:50):

    • Serena discusses the importance of facing the consequences of her decisions, emphasizing that the process of personal growth is often non-linear and filled with self-doubt.

    Working with Introverts and Personal Growth (17:30):

    • Serena now focuses on helping introverts find their voice and visibility while maintaining their privacy. She advocates for small, consistent actions (micro-actions) for long-term personal growth and sustainability.


    Guest Links:

    Website: Serena Low

    Facebook: Serena Low - Quiet Warrior Coach and Mentor

    Podcast: The Quiet Warrior

    LinkedIn: Serena Low

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    23 分
  • Mastering Work-Life Balance in Nonprofits Organizations
    2024/08/19
    Work-life balance is about finding harmony between our professional duties and personal lives, something that seems more elusive than ever. Over the past decade, the lines between work and personal time have blurred, with technology making us accessible around the clock. Economic uncertainties and job insecurity have pushed many of us to work longer hours, constantly proving our worth. The expectation to always be productive has soared, yet the support systems and resources often haven’t kept pace. This struggle isn't just about managing our schedules better. It’s rooted in systemic issues that require structural changes—like flexible work policies, adequate staffing, and a culture that genuinely values well-being. Especially in the non-profit sector, recognizing and addressing these broader challenges is crucial for fostering a sustainable balance and truly supporting your dedicated staff​ to serve the communities that you do. (National Council of Nonprofits)​​ (Givebutter)​. The Origin of Work-Life Balance The concept of "work-life balance" emerged in the late 20th century, during the 1970s and 1980s (thanks to Gen X). The phrase originated in the United Kingdom, reflecting a growing awareness of the need to balance professional responsibilities with personal life. During this period, societal and economic conditions were evolving rapidly. The rise of dual-income households, increased participation of women in the workforce, and the shift towards a service-oriented economy highlighted the pressures on individuals to juggle work and home life. Originally, "work-life balance" referred to the ability to divide one's time and energy between work commitments and personal pursuits. It was a response to the long hours and intense work demands that characterized corporate culture. The aim was to prevent burnout and ensure people could maintain fulfilling personal lives alongside their careers. Back then, achieving work-life balance often involved setting clear boundaries between work and home. For example, people would adhere to strict work hours, ensuring they left the office on time to spend evenings with family. Weekends were reserved for leisure and relaxation, free from work-related tasks. Some companies began offering flexible working hours and part-time positions to help employees manage their responsibilities better. This historical context shows that while the term "work-life balance" might seem modern, the struggle to achieve it has deep roots, driven by significant societal shifts and a persistent need for boundaries and personal well-being. The Myth of Modern Work-Life Balance The idea of work-life balance has shifted dramatically over the years, and what once felt achievable now often seems like an unattainable myth. Our work and life dynamics have changed so much, with technology playing a huge role. We're always connected—emails, messages, and notifications follow us everywhere, even into our downtime. The expectation to be constantly available and productive has become the norm, increasing demands on our time and energy. This brings us to the myth that individuals alone can manage work-life balance. Modern discussions often place the burden on us to balance everything through better time management or personal discipline. But this view ignores the bigger picture—societal and systemic constraints that make achieving balance nearly impossible. Economic pressures, job insecurity, and ever-increasing workplace demands create environments where true balance is elusive. In the non-profit sector, these challenges are even more pronounced. The passion for the mission often leads to longer hours and higher stress, compounded by limited resources and high demand for services. It's clear that achieving work-life balance isn't just about our individual efforts; it requires systemic changes. Organizations need to recognize and address these structural issues to create environments that support, rather than hinder, our well-being​ (Nonprofit Jobs, Volunteering, and More)​​ (Givebutter)​. Structural Changes to Work-Life Balance When we’re looking at how to help your organization better support work-life balance, we have to look at things from a wider structural perspective. For instance, employees in the non-profit sector often experience high levels of stress due to their deep commitment to their mission, combined with limited resources and high demands. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and undervalued, further exacerbating mental health issues. These challenges show that achieving work-life balance isn’t just about personal effort. It requires systemic changes in how organizations operate and support their staff. Creating environments that prioritize well-being and provide realistic workloads and proper support is crucial for fostering a healthier work-life balance​. Work-Life Balance in Non-Profits Rethinking work-life balance in the non-profit sector ...
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    12 分
  • Navigating Burnout: Family Vision and Energy Management with Joseph & Melissa Neary
    2024/08/12

    In this enlightening episode, host Avery engages in a heartfelt conversation with Joseph and Melissa Neary, the power couple behind the "Emotional Man Podcast." Together, they delve into the complexities of burnout, exploring its deep-seated connection with energy management and the challenges of balancing a high-demand professional life with family responsibilities. Joseph and Melissa, who coach executive families on building resilient family systems, share their personal stories of navigating burnout and how they found their way back to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

    Episode Highlights:

    03:12 - Melissa's Battle with Fluctuating Energy Levels

    Melissa shares her struggle with inconsistent energy due to health issues, and how it impacts her role as both a parent and a professional.

    04:45 - The Role of Shared Values in Preventing Burnout

    Joseph discusses the importance of aligning family goals to prevent conflicts and conserve energy, emphasizing the need for a unified family vision.

    05:32 - Adapting to Unpredictable Energy Levels

    Joseph highlights the challenges of accommodating Melissa's varying energy levels and the importance of being flexible with plans and discussions.

    09:23 - Navigating Burnout with a Large Family

    The Nearys discuss the complexities of managing burnout with nine children and the importance of effective communication and realistic expectations.

    11:00 - Rebuilding Energy Through Shared Vision Sessions

    Joseph and Melissa introduce their free family vision session, which helps families establish a unified vision to manage energy and prevent burnout.

    Guest Links:

    Free Family Vision Session: calendly.com/nearycoaching/family_vision

    Instagram: @zefneary

    LinkedIn: Joseph Neary

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    32 分
  • Recognize and Combat Burnout in Nonprofit Organizations: Essential Strategies for Sustainable Success
    2024/08/05
    Burnout can have significant physical, emotional, and psychological effects, ranging from chronic stress and exhaustion to depression and anxiety. By recognizing the signs of burnout early on and taking proactive steps to address them, nonprofit organizations can: preserve the well-being of staff members, maintain productivity and morale, and prevent turnover. By recognizing the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to address them, organizations can create a positive and supportive work environment that enables them to fulfill their missions effectively and sustainably. However, since awareness is always the first step, here are some things to look out for to know if your nonprofit is experiencing the symptoms of burnout. 7 Signs Your Nonprofit Organization Is Experiencing Staff Burnout High Turnover Rates: One of the most evident signs of burnout within a nonprofit organization is high turnover rates. When employees frequently leave their positions, it often indicates underlying issues such as excessive workloads, lack of support, or a toxic work environment.Decreased Productivity: Burnout can significantly impact productivity levels. If you notice a decline in the efficiency and quality of work produced by your team members, it may be a red flag that burnout is taking its toll.Increased Absenteeism: When employees are experiencing burnout, they may be more likely to call in sick or take unplanned time off. Keep an eye on absenteeism rates within your organization, as they can provide valuable insights into the overall well-being of your staff.Poor Morale: Burnout can lead to a decrease in morale among employees. If you sense a general feeling of disengagement or apathy within your team, it may be a sign that burnout is prevalent and impacting their satisfaction with their work.Heightened Conflict and Gossip: Burnout can fuel tension and conflict among team members. Pay attention to any increase in interpersonal conflicts, gossip, or friction within your organization, as it could indicate that stress levels are reaching a boiling point.Lack of Work-Life Balance: Nonprofit employees are often passionate about their work, but this dedication can sometimes lead to an imbalance between work and personal life. If you notice that your staff members are consistently working long hours or sacrificing their personal time, it may be a sign that burnout is looming.Physical and Emotional Exhaustion: Lastly, keep an eye out for signs of physical and emotional exhaustion among your team members. Symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and emotional withdrawal can all point to burnout and should be taken seriously. Now that we've outlined the signs of burnout, let's delve into why nonprofit organizations are particularly susceptible to this issue. Reasons Why Nonprofit Organizations are More Susceptible to Burnout Nonprofit organizations are more susceptible to burnout for several reasons, stemming from the unique challenges they face in fulfilling their missions while often operating with limited resources. Nonprofits are typically driven by passionate individuals who are deeply committed to their cause. While this passion is admirable, it can also lead to a culture of overwork and self-sacrifice, as employees and volunteers feel compelled to do whatever it takes to make a difference. This intense dedication can quickly lead to burnout, as individuals neglect their own well-being in pursuit of the organization's goals.Nonprofit organizations often operate on tight budgets and limited staffing, requiring employees to take on multiple roles and responsibilities. This can result in overwhelming workloads and constant pressure to do more with less. Without adequate support and resources, employees can quickly become overwhelmed and exhausted, contributing to burnout.The nature of nonprofit work can be emotionally taxing, as individuals are often exposed to the challenges and hardships faced by the communities they serve. Whether it's working with marginalized populations, addressing social injustices, or responding to humanitarian crises, nonprofit employees frequently encounter difficult and emotionally draining situations. Over time, this exposure can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being, increasing their vulnerability to burnout.The nonprofit sector is no stranger to uncertainty and instability. Funding fluctuations, changes in political landscapes, and external pressures can all impact the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations, creating additional stress for employees. The constant need to adapt and navigate these challenges can lead to feelings of frustration and disillusionment, further exacerbating burnout. Recognizing these challenges and implementing strategies to support employee well-being is crucial in preventing burnout and sustaining the important work of nonprofit organizations. How to Fix Burnout in Your Nonprofit Organization Addressing burnout within nonprofit ...
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    12 分