How to Tackle Burnout and Find More Joy in Your Work

As a dedicated healthcare philanthropy professional, you're likely no stranger to the high demands and emotional toll of your field. But have you ever stopped to consider how close you might be to burnout? Emili Sperling Bennett from the Bryant Group shared invaluable insights in a recent AHP webinar, "Minimize Burnout and Get Happier at Work ." Here's how you can apply her valuable insights to your life.?

Understanding the Elevated Risk of Burnout in Healthcare Philanthropy?

While burnout is a problem in any work environment, as a healthcare philanthropy professional, your unique position at the intersection of a high-stakes healthcare environment and the critical need for funding and resources significantly elevates your risk. ?

The continuous drive to secure funding, coupled with the emotional narratives often involved in philanthropy work, creates a high-tension environment. This is further compounded by the common desire among professionals like you to make a significant difference, leading to long hours and the blurring of personal and professional boundaries.?

"There is quite an emotional labor load that you all are taking on,"?Emili said. ?

Emili emphasized the importance of recognizing these unique challenges as the first step toward managing them. It's vital to understand that the intensity of your role is not just a professional hazard but a significant factor that can impact your overall well-being. Acknowledging this risk allows you to proactively take steps to mitigate it, rather than waiting for burnout to become an unavoidable reality.?

Understanding the risk and impact of burnout is crucial, but more importantly, you need strategies to fight it.?

AHP members can watch the full webinar , and earn CFRE credit, on the AHP website.

Dealing with Burnout Head-On?

Rediscover Your Passions?

In the webinar, participants were encouraged to share their hobbies and interests, emphasizing the importance of finding joy beyond work.?It's vital for your mental well-being, offering a much-needed respite from work pressures. When you engage in activities you love, you not only achieve a healthier work-life balance but also arm yourself against the risk of burnout. This personal fulfillment can significantly boost your productivity and creativity at work. Emily emphasizes that by investing time in your interests, you bring more energy and authenticity into your professional role, enhancing job satisfaction and effectiveness. ?

Remember, nurturing your passions isn't just beneficial for your personal life; it's a key factor in maintaining resilience and performance in your demanding career.?As Emili puts it, "It's important to remember that we bring our whole selves to work every single day."??

Use Engagement as a Shield Against Burnout?

In the realm of healthcare philanthropy, where the pressure is constant and stakes are high, engagement in your work is your most potent shield against burnout. As Emili advises, start by diving deep into what genuinely motivates you. Ask yourself, what aspects of your job make you feel most alive? Is it the personal connections with donors, the thrill of strategizing for a big campaign, or the satisfaction of seeing the tangible impact of your work? Recognizing and leaning into these motivating factors can transform your work experience.?

Further, identify your core strengths and seek opportunities to use them daily. Are you a natural communicator, a strategic thinker, or a creative problem-solver? Utilizing these strengths can lead to a more fulfilling workday, making tasks feel less like chores and more like expressions of your professional self.?

By actively engaging with the parts of your work that align with your passions and strengths, you create a work environment that is not only productive but also joyous and energizing. This engagement is a proactive step in warding off the feelings of exhaustion and disinterest that are hallmarks of burnout. Remember, when you're engaged, you're not just working; you're thriving in your role, making a difference in a way that is sustainable and fulfilling for you.?

Leverage Design Thinking for Your Growth?

Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves understanding users, challenging assumptions, and redefining problems in an attempt to identify alternative strategies and solutions. Emili encourages you to use this method to understand your own needs and values in the context of burnout.?

You can do this by stepping back and looking at your work and life challenges from a new perspective. Empathize with yourself, define your personal and professional challenges, brainstorm solutions, prototype ways to balance your life and work, and test these solutions to find what works best for you. This process allows you to creatively tailor your work experience to include more activities that bring you joy and engagement.?

The Time Is Now to Embrace Self-Care?

On every flight, we are reminded to put on our own oxygen mask before helping others. The same concept holds true in our work lives. By prioritizing self-care and well-being, we enhance our own strength and prepare ourselves to effectively handle challenging situations.??

"When we put on that mask first, we are setting our organization up to be more resilient and ready for turbulence," Emili concluded. ?

Managing burnout isn't just about surviving; it's about thriving in a career you love. Remember, in healthcare philanthropy, taking care of yourself enhances your ability to make a meaningful impact.?

AHP members can watch the full webinar here.