According to a 2020 Gallup study, 76% of employees reported experiencing burnout at least sometimes, with 28% saying they felt it "very often" or "always." The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified burnout as an "occupational phenomenon," noting its impact on workplace productivity and employee well-being. Burnout is associated with increased absenteeism, decreased job performance, and higher turnover rates.
Certain professions may be more susceptible to burnout due to factors such as high job demands, long hours, or emotional labor. One of those susceptible job titles is educators, including college academic advisors.
Academic advisors and student success coaches are constantly navigating stressful peak seasons, emotional fatigue, changes in the higher education industry, urgent needs from students, and more. When academic advisors are facing burnout, it impacts themselves, their students, coworkers, and the institution as a whole.
Signs of burnout include:
Exhaustion: Feeling physically and emotionally drained.
Cynicism and Negativity: Developing a negative or cynical outlook toward work, colleagues, or tasks.
Reduced Performance: Experiencing a decline in job performance, productivity, or quality of work.
Lack of Satisfaction: Feeling unfulfilled or disillusioned with one's job, despite previous feelings of satisfaction or accomplishment.
Physical Symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, digestive problems, or frequent illness.
Difficulty Detaching: Finding it challenging to disconnect from work-related thoughts or responsibilities, even during non-work hours.
Decreased Engagement: Losing interest or enthusiasm for work-related tasks, projects, or goals.
Escapist Behaviors: Engaging in escapist behaviors such as excessive alcohol or substance use, overeating, or procrastination as a means of coping with stress or avoiding work-related responsibilities.
Recognizing these signs early can help academic advisors take proactive steps to address burnout and prioritize their well-being.
Academic advisors can avoid burnout by implementing several strategies:
Self-care routines: Prioritize physical and mental well-being through regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, and relaxation techniques like meditation or mindfulness.
Setting boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Disconnect from email on nights and weekends.
Seeking support: Seek support from colleagues, mentors, family, or professional counselors when feeling overwhelmed. Building a strong support network can provide emotional reassurance and practical advice.
Continual learning and development: Participate in professional development workshops, conferences, or academic advising training. Keeping their skills updated and staying informed about new developments in advising and coaching practices can prevent stagnation and burnout.
Variety in tasks: Seek opportunities to engage in a variety of tasks at your institution and in the field. Ask to work on special projects aimed at preventing monotony, join a new committee, or submit a presentation to a state, regional, or national conference.
Regular breaks: Take regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Short breaks can help maintain focus and productivity while reducing stress levels. Move around your campus, close the office door and put on some music, and leave campus for lunch.
Recognition and appreciation: Does our college have a recognition program for academic advisors? If not, encourage your administration to start one.
Reflective practices: Engage in reflective practices to process your experiences, learn from challenges, and celebrate successes. Journaling, peer discussions, or regular meetings with supervisors can provide opportunities for reflection and growth.
Teams may also want to consider earning a certificate in success coaching, academic advising training, faculty advising training, or a certificate in student affairs leadership.