In an article for University Business, William Hatcher (Augusta University) argues that there is a low-cost solution to academic burnout: the promotion of compassion and belonging. Hatcher writes that academic burnout often arises in situations wherein employees, their roles, and the institution itself are mismatched in their aims and expectations. As a result, employees find themselves saddled with unreasonable demands, a lack of support, and a feeling that they have little control over their work. To overcome this issue, the author advises academic leaders to practice civility; promote a sense of belonging; and support the individual autonomy of faculty, staff, and students. “In other words, we simply need to be nicer to one another,” summarizes the author.
