Long hours on campus attending faculty meetings, holding office hours, conducting research, and planning lessons — all in addition to time spent in the classroom — have contributed to stress and overwork for educators, making faculty burnout a common topic of concern even pre-pandemic.
With the uncertainties of the past two years, faculty have been asked to do even more, including learning new technologies and finding new ways to engage students through a computer screen. They’ve had to adapt their lessons on the fly as colleges and universities have gone from in-person to emergency remote learning, and most recently, to hybrid learning, all in the name of health or student-requested flexibility. Consequently, disengagement and low morale are on the rise.
There are many factors that contribute to burnout, so it’s important to understand the root causes, listen to faculty members, and determine how to best support them. If work-life balance, time management, and on-campus health and safety are common concerns, consider how a flexible work environment — and the right communication tools — can address and alleviate those issues.
See how flexibility can play a role in helping faculty manage busy schedules, save time commuting, and serve students more effectively.