Volunteer Burnout (Balancing Family Work Kin) Fall Leadership Conference 2016

What is Burnout? When a volunteer does not feel balance between volunteer effort and other areas of their life A state of complete mental and physical exhaustion Stress

Volunteering vs. working Although very rewarding and enjoyable, everyone must remember that volunteer work is still work Work – Life Balance techniques also applicable to volunteer – life balance

Club Burnout Symptoms Are too few members doing most of the work? Do an enthusiastic few regularly embrace leadership roles on all service projects? Are there members who don’t seem willing to step up? Are projects old, tired and need a facelift?

Typical Week According to a 2001 survey, only 4 hours per week spent volunteering How do we keep a healthy balance?

Work-to-family interference This type of role conflict occurs when work demands and responsibilities make it more difficult to fulfill family-role responsibilities

Work-to-family interference What can Kin members do? Prioritize commitments – Family, Work, Kin Involve family in kin functions – share your interests Learn to say “no”

Role Overload This form of work-life conflict occurs when the total demands on time and energy associated with the prescribed activities of multiple roles are too great to perform the roles adequately or comfortably

Role Overload: What can Kin Leaders do? make themselves available to answer their member’s questions. make expectations clear listen to their member’s concerns give recognition for a job well done effectively plan the work to be done

Effective delegation Can allow members to take on new roles and responsibilities Help relieve pressure from those members who always seem to do everything Lighten the workload on larger scale projects Build comradery and have club function as a team

Steps to delegating Prepare Assign Task Fully thought out and develop expectations Assign Include information on timing, budget Expectations for communications and updates

Steps to delegating Confirm understanding Confirm Commitment One of the most common mistakes Only takes 60 seconds to confirm understanding Confirm Commitment Goals are aligned Aware of consequences if results fail to meet expectations

Steps to delegating Avoid Reverse Delegating Ensure Accountability Don’t take back a task after delegating Coach / help the member through their task if they are having trouble Ensure Accountability Two-way communication is key Status updates on the deliverable and timing

Preventing Burnout Re-evaluate project leadership roles and how to share the load Show appreciation Set limits Educate your club on burnout Keep it fresh Make time for fun Provide mentorship to new members Remember, volunteers have day jobs and families, too

Benefits to preventing burnout Happier and healthier members Better teamwork within the club Can accomplish more with less people or less time Retention & Recruitment

References Kin Canada Website: Avoiding Burnout Resource Library>Healthy Clubs>Article Guides http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/worklife_ balance.html http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/occup- travail/balancing-equilibre/index-eng.php#a6 https://www.fastcompany.com/3006643/6-steps-more- effective-delegation