Nonprofit worker burnout
- May 8
- 2 min read
This research presentation at the Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research features undergraduate student research about nonprofit worker burnout.
Abstract: Burnout is especially pervasive in the nonprofit sector, with prior research indicating that 88% of nonprofit leaders are burned out, 50% of workforce shortages are from burnout, and 95% of leaders express concern. Burnout is often misunderstood. The WHO defines it as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has been unsuccessfully managed and has three distinct sources: feelings of inefficacy, exhaustion, and cynicism. The cure for burnout is prevention, but often, organizations only remedy burnout once it exists. However, one-size-fits-all solutions are less helpful because prior research shows that to recover from burnout, the source must be identified and specific action taken to replenish that source. Individual differences can impact burnout, but in the nonprofit sector, the type of beneficiary served (e.g., children, animals, environment) may also play a role. The purpose of our research is to better understand how individual differences and the specific beneficiaries served, influence nonprofit workers’ feelings of inefficacy, exhaustion, and cynicism. We conducted an exploratory analysis on data gathered from nonprofit workers (N=50) in the US, recruited through the Prolific research platform. Participants completed an online survey with validated scales and qualitative questions. We found a variety of insights, for instance, qualitative data showed 92% were negatively influenced by burnout in work, health, and relationships. Quantitative data showed participants are exhausted but not too cynical or inefficacious. Overall, our study provides insight into better understanding how individual differences impact burnout in nonprofit workers.
Citation: Steinert, S., Susak, H., & Lassu, R.A. (2025). Purpose at a price: Insight into nonprofit worker burnout. Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research. 22 November, 2023. Channel Islands, CA.
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