After the COVID-19 Pandemic 3. As COVID-19 surged, retreated, and surged again throughout the world, educators at all levels realized the impact the epidemic was having on students in all stages of their education. The Chronicle of Higher Education (2020) conducted a survey of 1,122 post-secondary faculty from all disciplines to evaluate how the pandemic had affected them from a mental and emotional perspective and if the faculty’s experiences might alter career decisions. Highlights of this research are outlined in Table B.
Table B: Highlights of The Chronicle of Higher Education Survey (2020)
§ The majority of those surveyed were experiencing elevated levels of frustration, anxiety, and stress. § More than 2/3 of survey respondents were struggling with increased workloads and a deterioration of work-life balance—particularly female faculty members. § More than half of all faculty were considering retiring or changing careers and leaving higher education, with tenured faculty even more likely to retire than others. Sacco & Kelly (2021) explored faculty academic and clinical roles during the COVID-19 pandemic, including perception of institutional support provided; faculty burnout, satisfaction, and well-being; and student support needs and well-being. Participants recognized the support from academic institutions and identified an increased need to provide emotional support to students. However, most noted negative effects on well-being. Zangaro, Rosseter, Trautman, Leaver (2023) also examined the level of burnout in nursing faculty. An internet- based survey was administered to nursing faculty in over 1,000 schools in the United States. Among a total of 3,556 participants, most of the sample exhibited moderate levels of burnout, exhaustion, and disengagement. Highlights of this research are outlined in Table C.
Table C: Highlights of Zangaro et al. Survey of Nurse Faculty (2023)
§ Nurse faculty experienced moderate levels of exhaustion, disengagement, and burnout. § Highest burnout was among 35 to 54-year-olds and assistant and associate professors. § Doctoral faculty reported highest levels of exhaustion, disengagement, and burnout. § Tenure track faculty reported higher exhaustion and burnout as compared to non-tenure. § Burnout and job satisfaction were inversely related.
Managing Burnout 4. If the last two-to-three years have taught us anything, it is that burnout is a threat that will continue to be probable for healthcare workers, including faculty. While the COVID-19 pandemic may no longer be a global crisis, the complex environment in which we live and the possibility of other infectious threats escalating into widespread concerns necessitate the development of strategies to combat work-related burnout. Reducing the potential for burnout requires a two-prong approach. Institutions must implement strategies to reduce the environmental stress and individuals must make caring for themselves a priority.
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