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Last Reviewed:
October 20, 2024
First Published:
August 10, 2022
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Faculty often come under immense pressure to perform as excellent educators, stellar researchers, and adept practitioners within their disciplines. This pressure, combined with expectations of university-wide service and external obligations, can deteriorate the wellbeing of faculty members. Additionally, members of underrepresented and minoritized groups often face high risks of burnout and fatigue from what is often called a ‘minority tax,’ or additional stress placed on underrepresented individuals. There are several strategies faculty can use to support their wellbeing, including working with a mentor to help identify appropriate workload balance, finding community among other faculty members, and seeking professional help when needed. It is also important to recognize the signs of burnout and seek help, such as UTHSC’s Employee Assistance Program. As always, remember you aren’t alone and the university offers many resources to support your well-being.
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Use the comments section below to let us know your tips to promote faculty well-being.
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Faculty can reduce stress through a number of methods including “prioritizing tasks, using positive psychology, colouring, maintaining a healthy body, building social relationships, and seeking professional help when required.”
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Set boundaries: Maintain regular work hours as much as possible and schedule time for activities you enjoy outside of work.
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Identify a mentor: Find a mentor who can help you determine how to balance your workload in a way that keeps a work-life balance.
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Join or start a Faculty Learning Community: Meeting regularly with other faculty members can minimize stress.
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Recognize your limitations: Know campus resources available for students who come to you for support with mental health, financial challenges, or other life situations. As much as faculty often want to assist students, remember your own wellbeing is important and it is more helpful to refer a student to a professional than try to work through a problem with them.
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Seek professional support: UTHSC offers faculty support through the Employee Assistance Program.
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Brazeau, G. A., Frenzel, J. E., & Prescott, W. A. (2020). Facilitating wellbeing in a turbulent time. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 84(6).
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Larson, L. M., Seipel, M. T., Shelley, M. C., Gahn, S. W., Ko, S. Y., Schenkenfelder, M., … & Heitmann, M. M. (2019). The academic environment and faculty well-being: The role of psychological needs. Journal of Career Assessment, 27(1), 167-182.
- Recharging in Real Time. Mukta Panda, MD and Bindiya Bagga, MD, College of Medicine. TLC Webinar. Recorded July 9, 2021.
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