Navigating DEI Burnout in the Face of New Challenges

By Cecilia Stanton Adams

2020 marked a pivotal moment in our collective history—a time when the world awoke to the urgent need for justice and equality. The tragic death of George Floyd ignited a global movement, one that promised a future primed for progress and change. As DEI practitioners, we were at the forefront of this movement, pushing for transformation within our organizations and communities. However, as we marched forward, day after day, an unseen shadow began to trail us—the slow onset of DEI burnout. This phenomenon, as pervasive as it was overlooked, started to reshape not only our professional lives but also our very essence as change-makers. (Read my original reflections on DEI burnout from 2020 here.)

Today, as we reflect on that time, we must acknowledge a new, daunting challenge: the rise of anti-DEI legislation. These laws, designed to undermine the very work we champion, have introduced a fresh wave of exhaustion, frustration, and doubt among DEI practitioners. The energy that once fueled our relentless drive for change now competes with a deep-seated weariness, as we navigate the complexities of this hostile environment.

The New Reality of DEI Burnout

The symptoms of DEI burnout remain largely the same—questioning our impact, feeling isolated, grappling with identity struggles, and experiencing physical and emotional fatigue. But in today's context, these symptoms are exacerbated by the external pressures of anti-DEI sentiment and legislation. The constant pushback against our work, often rooted in fear and misunderstanding, can lead to a profound sense of disillusionment.

For many DEI professionals, the challenge is no longer just about sustaining momentum in the face of daunting systemic issues. It's about finding the strength to continue in an environment where our very existence as change agents is under threat. The questioning of our impact, once a personal internal struggle, is now amplified by external voices that seek to delegitimize our work. The isolation we feel is not just professional but also political, as the very ideals we stand for are increasingly polarized.

Navigating Burnout in a Hostile Environment

To address DEI burnout in this new landscape, we must first acknowledge the reality of our situation. The emotional labor of this work is now compounded by the need to defend its legitimacy. We must be vigilant in recognizing the signs of burnout in ourselves and in our peers, and we must create spaces for open, honest conversations about our experiences.

One way to combat this burnout is by building resilient communities of practice—spaces where DEI practitioners can come together, share their struggles, and support one another. These communities are more critical than ever, as they provide the solidarity needed to withstand the external pressures that threaten our work. Within these spaces, we can cultivate the empathy and understanding that are so vital to our roles, while also fostering collective strategies for resilience.

From Burnout to Breakthrough: A Call to Action

As we navigate this challenging period, it's essential to remember the core of our mission: creating a more just and inclusive world. This mission is worth fighting for, even in the face of adversity. But to continue this fight, we must prioritize our well-being and that of our peers. We must advocate for the same inclusion and care within our ranks that we tirelessly work to instill in the world.

This is a call to action—let us recognize the signs of DEI burnout, initiate conversations about our personal well-being, and support each other in this work. By doing so, we not only safeguard our own mental and emotional health but also ensure the sustainability of our collective mission. Together, as a united, resilient community, we can continue to push for the progress that the world so desperately needs.

I invite you to reflect on your own experiences with DEI burnout. How have you navigated these challenges, and how do you support your community of change-makers? Are you struggling to keep the flame of your DEI mission alive? You are not alone. Share your story, you may be the hope that someone needs.