Take Steps to Avoid Burnout

you taken time off this summer for rest and relax- ation?Every summer I try to remind you how important it is to take care of yourselves.I was an academic dean for twelve years and a chief academic officer for seven and a half.I remember well how stressful the jobs could be.The activities of the job can include being overworked with maintaining existing projects and starting many new projects, operating in a toxic work environment, implementing plans over which you have no control or input, having to spread thin the budgets, which are cut each year, yet have to be stretched to cover more programs or campus sites, and more.I had to take care of myself lest I burn out-and I hope you are doing the same.Many articles list "life's five most stressful events," but they aren't all consistent.Here are some of the events mentioned, in no particular order: death of a spouse, death of a loved one, divorce, separation, incarceration, job loss, moving, and long-term illness.Well, I think we could add long-term work stress to that list.There is also a lot in the literature right now about work-related burnout.Anastasia Belyh writes, "39 Employee Burnout Statistics for 2025."Of course, I won't be able to mention all 39, so you may want to read the article at https://www.keevee.com/employee-burnout-statistics.(The author tells you in the article where she obtained her quoted statistics.)Belyh says, "76% of employees experience burnout at least occasionally.Work-related stress continues to affect a majority of the workforce."Although you might not think so, she says, "remote workers report a 20% higher risk of burnout.Blurred boundaries between work and personal life exacerbate stress."Belyh reports that more than half of employees have overly taxing demands made upon them and experience chronic stress, and almost 40% "blame unclear job expectations for burnout."I understand this one well.I had a president who never knew what she wanted until she saw what she didn't want.I think that may be fairly common among bosses.It's definitely stressful.The author notes that as burnout increases, engagement drops, and burned-out employees are "63% more likely to take sick leave."Well, I'd have to say that I'm glad they do take sick leave, and I encourage you to do the same if you are on the verge of burnout.Burnout is real, and it can make you very sick, emotionally, mentally, and physically.One way to avoid burnout is to take time off to rest.Another way is to see a doctor.You may need anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication.You may need talk therapy.You might need to get blood tests to make sure you have