It’s no secret that nonprofit leaders face difficult challenges, limited resources and high demands. It comes then, as no surprise, that there is increasing prevalence of burnout among nonprofit leaders- a staggering 95% have expressed concern over burnout.
While working in the social sector comes with the reward of being engaged in an effort that fuels your passion, it can often come with increased stress and result in burnout. Now, more than ever, nonprofit leaders must prioritize their well-being to avoid burnout and maintain organizational effectiveness.
Understanding Burnout in Nonprofit Leadership
Burnout can be defined as a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that is caused by prolonged stress. Our bodies are primed to handle a certain level of stress, but not nearly as much and as consistently as most of us endure. Nonprofit professionals face unique workplace stressors including juggling budget constraints, staffing shortages, fundraising priorities, challenging programmatic strategies, seasonal event coordination and community and stakeholder involvement. Often nonprofit leaders are involved in work that has impacted them personally, and are driven to contribute for personal reasons. For all these reasons, nonprofit leaders should be even more mindful of building a balance in their work and personal lives—not just for their own well-being, but to sustain their organization’s mission..
Sure, practicing self-care and maintaining healthy work boundaries sounds good in theory, but this often proves easier said than done. Nonprofit leaders carry the added burden of the well-being of their staff. In addition to being worried about their own well-being, almost 70% of nonprofit leaders are concerned about staff burnout, too.
Well-meaning and positive intent only go so far when talking about burnout- actionable solutions are needed quickly, because the consequences of burnout reach far past the individual. Employee burnout leads to reduced productivity, high turnover and ultimately hinders an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission—which can have a negative impact on the communities they serve.
The Importance of Prioritizing Well-being
The deadlines must be met, the meetings must be executed, and the fundraiser must be successful. So, what can nonprofit leaders do to get it all done?
Leaders play a critical role in shaping workplace culture. If they personally prioritize their well-being it can set the tone across the entire organization that wellness and health are priorities in the workplace.
- Focus on personal health: Develop practices to maintain good mental and physical health of leaders. This will help build resilience and mitigate work stresses.
- What this looks like in action: Set aside the first few minutes of a team meeting for a group breathwork exercise.
- Focus on organizational culture: Leaders who model self-care set a precedent, fostering a culture where staff feel empowered to prioritize their well-being. Lead by example and be vocal about your wellness choices and strategies.
- What this looks like in action: Implement flexible work schedules and telecommuting options to promote work-life balance.
- Focus on mission fulfillment: A healthy leadership team is better equipped to drive the organization towards achieving its goals effectively.
- What this looks like in action: Set tangible goals around building a healthy culture and see how it affects your mission fulfillment over time.
How Funders, Community Stakeholders, and Changemaker Can Prioritize the Wellbeing of Nonprofit Leaders
- Funding Priorities: Funders can allocate resources specifically for leadership development and wellness programs.
- Advocacy: Changemakers can advocate by promoting policies that support mental health and well-being of employees within the social sector.
- Collaboration: Curate community collaboration by partnering with other organizations to strengthen efforts toward systemic changes that prioritize the well-being of nonprofit professionals at every level.
Bold Leadership Starts with a Healthy Team—Join the Conversation at Ignite! 2025
The future of nonprofit leadership depends on well-being. At Ignite! 2025, we’re tackling this head-on. Our LEAD track is designed to equip you with the skills to build a sustainable leadership approach—one that prioritizes your well-being while advancing your organization’s mission.
Join us on May 8, 2025, for a day of powerful conversations, actionable strategies, and connections with changemakers who understand the challenges you face. Invest in your leadership, your team, and the future of our sector. Register now!