[author: Erin Halligan-Avery, Ph.D.]
Burnout isn’t just about feeling exhausted—it’s a symptom of deeper systemic flaws and individual behaviors. Today, it is a growing concern in our fast-paced, high-pressure world. While many people perceive burnout as a personal issue, the reality is far more complex.
In my Closing Keynote, “Unveiling the Culprit: How Systems and People-Pleasing Drive Burnout,” at NABITA’s 5th Annual Case Management Summit on June 12, 2025, in Portland, Oregon, I will take a candid look at how institutional failures fuel overwork and over-commitment. I will also challenge individuals to examine their habits of people-pleasing, overextending, and self-sabotage. My session will explore self-awareness, personal accountability, and organizational reform, providing practical strategies that address burnout at its core—both within our systems and ourselves.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, detachment, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. It often occurs when professional demands exceed emotional and physical resources. Although commonly associated with work, burnout can happen in any area of life where undue pressure and expectations prevail.
However, it has actual costs extending beyond individuals’ mental health and career progression. It affects workplace efficiency and organizational stability. It manifests in high employee turnover, reduced innovation, and growing dissatisfaction among students—clear indicators that the workforce is stretched to its breaking point.
The Role of Institutions
Higher education is grappling with systemic challenges. Declining enrollment, escalating costs, and growing institutional pressures are straining resources and creating unsustainable workloads for faculty and staff. As professionals are expected to accomplish more with less, stress and burnout are increasingly pervasive.
Burnout is also a significant issue for K-12 teachers and administrators, particularly in less-resourced districts. These educators frequently face larger class sizes, fewer support staff, and limited access to teaching materials, all of which compound the daily stress of their roles. Additionally, the emotional toll of supporting students in underfunded communities—where poverty, trauma, and inequity are prevalent—can lead to compassion fatigue. Administrators face the pressure to balance strained budgets, support staff, and meet district or state mandates.
Leadership teams play a significant role in preventing and mitigating burnout. They must prioritize creating healthy and sustainable environments that support overall well-being. This can include implementing policies that emphasize work-life balance, respecting work hours, providing mental health resources, and promoting a culture of openness and support. Institutions must invest in technology, professional development opportunities, and workplace transparency to effectively address burnout.
When systemic changes, such as increased funding and resources, are out of reach, even the best-intentioned efforts can feel like an uphill battle. In these cases, organizations must focus on what is within their control: fostering a culture of support, transparency, and realistic expectations. Leaders can explore non-monetary solutions, such as redistributing workloads, offering flexible work arrangements, and ensuring employees feel valued and heard.
Beyond internal adjustments, there are creative financial strategies institutions can consider to secure necessary resources, including:
- Cost-sharing between departments: Pooling budgets across different units that share overlapping needs can make investments more feasible and effective.
- Consortium purchasing: Partnering with other institutions or organizations to negotiate group discounts can drive down costs.
- Flexible payment structures: Asking for price adjustments, multi-year payment plans, or phased implementations can make necessary investments more manageable over time.
- Reallocating existing funds: Redirecting underutilized budget lines toward high-impact solutions can stretch limited resources further.
The Role of Individuals
Although systemic change is necessary, individuals are not powerless in the fight against burnout. Professionals can advocate for policy changes, promote data-driven decision-making, and establish personal boundaries that foster healthier work environments. By taking a strategic approach, individuals can create a framework for their well-being.
Self-care also plays a crucial role. If you work in a supportive environment but still neglect your own needs, over-commit, or let people-pleasing drive you to exhaustion, it’s time to take responsibility for your well-being. Not all burnout is external—sometimes, it’s about learning to set boundaries and say no. Prioritizing personal well-being and letting go of perfectionism are vital strategies for sustaining long-term health and happiness.
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