Preventing Board Burnout: A Strategic Priority

The demands on volunteer board members are higher than ever. Balancing budgets, setting strategic goals, and managing responsibilities on top of a full-time job can leave even the most committed board members feeling drained. When burnout takes hold, it impacts individual well-being, and can also weaken decision-making, slow progress, and create gaps in leadership.  

To keep your board healthy and effective, it’s important to take proactive steps that not only support board membership but also strengthen governance. Here are four strategies that protect against burnout while reinforcing the board’s ability to lead the organization forward.  

1. Acknowledge that burnout happens 

The first step is recognizing that burnout is normal, especially in high-demand leadership roles. Naming the issues helps board members feel less isolated and gives permission to address them openly. Strategically, acknowledging burnout also helps a board get ahead of potential risks, such as disengagement or mid-term resignations that disrupt continuity.  

2. Encourage open conversations 

Creating a culture of transparency around workload and stress strengthens governance. Dedicating time to discussing capacity and well-being in board meetings allows board members to share challenges before they become barriers. This practice not only supports individuals but also serves as an early warning system for the board, helping leadership make adjustments and protect against lapses in oversight. 

3. Celebrate and support board members 

Recognition is more than a morale booster – it’s a retention and succession strategy. Publicly highlighting accomplishments shows board members that their contributions matter and motivates them to stay engaged. Offering professional development opportunities, such as leadership workshops or training programs, strengthens the board’s capacity while also preparing emerging leaders for future roles. Both outcomes create long-term sustainability for the organization.  

4. Add variety to board meetings 

When meetings feel repetitive, creativity and engagement suffer. Incorporating new elements like guest speakers, roundtable discussions, or brainstorming sessions does more than refresh the agenda – it broadens perspectives and strengthens relationships among board members. 

A fresh approach can also ease the workload and create new energy. Shifting agendas to focus more on strategic issues than routine updates help make the most of the meeting time. Bringing in additional volunteers for specific projects spreads responsibilities more evenly, while inviting outside experts can spark new thinking and inform better decisions. These are the conditions under which boards generate fresh solutions and anticipate challenges, making them more agile and effective.  

Above all, preventing burnout ensures the board can fulfill its most important role: guiding the organization with clarity and purpose. By including strategies for well-being and engagement into annual planning, boards shift from reacting to challenges to building long-term resilience. A motivated, supported board is not just healthier, but more strategic and better positioned to deliver results. 

Meet the Author

Denise Roosendaal, FASAE, CAE

Vice President
Association Management
Smithbucklin