Burnout and Turnover
Pines (1994) definition of burnout is “the end result of a process in which idealistic and highly committed people lose their spirit” (p.381). “Staff burnout likely leads to high rates of turnover generally (Kolaski & Taylor, 2019), but can be seen more intensely during times of crisis. Burnout is one of the main reasons many educators become disillusioned or fatigued with the work they are doing for children. Various reasons can contribute to teacher attrition, but those most susceptible may leave because their passion and identities are tied to the job and, thus, they expend emotional labor into their work (Gorski & Chen, 2015; Hochschild, 1983). Teachers are dissatisfied with organizational structures that inhibit them from doing their job effectively (Santoro, 2019). Research supports the linking of burnout with turnover (Siefert, Jayaratne, & Chess, 1991), negative behaviors on the job (Randall & Scott, 1988), and symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, and illnesses that could lead to depression (Norcross & Guy, 2007). Studies have also linked burnout to age, training, job satisfaction, lack of supportive relationships with peers and lack of coworkers’ support (Lakin, Leon, & Miller, 2008). Maslach and Gomes (2006) synthesized symptoms of burnout by into three categories: “(a) exhaustion (feeling emotionally and physically drained), (b) cynicism (having negative associations with the work that once seemed so important), and (c) inefficacy (doubting self) worth and lack of activist achievement)” (p. 43). Many teachers become dissatisfied and burnt out for a variety of reasons. As the pandemic and civil unrest continue, organizations should urgently find ways to build a sense of trust and address the physical, mental, and social emotional strains to sustain human capital.
Burnout and turnover is of special interest to leaders focusing on equity. The additional social, emotional, and physical cost of of supporting DEI initiatives and families of minoritized students can add to burnout. One World can partner with you to ensure you are able to meet your goals.
This is an excerpt of a previous article. To read the full article use this link.
Brown, K., Washington, K.,& Ross, S. (2021). The balance: Self-Care in a time of crisis. Journal of Texas Women School Executives (JTWSE), 6(1),18-24.
