Solutions for Faculty Wellbeing
Evidence-based programs and resources to help faculty overcome burnout, restore balance, and succeed in academia.
The Faculty Burnout Crisis
Faculty burnout is at an all-time high, threatening individual well-being, institutional stability, and student success. The relentless pressures of academia—balancing research, teaching, service, and ever-growing administrative demands—leave many faculty feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from their work.
The effects go beyond a busy semester or a demanding grant cycle. Burnout shows up as deep mental and physical exhaustion, growing cynicism toward work, and a sense that no matter how much effort you put in, it’s never enough. Many faculty find themselves withdrawing from the work they once loved, struggling to focus, and feeling disconnected from their careers.
Faculty shouldn’t have to accept burnout as the cost of being in academia. Burnout isn’t inevitable, and it’s not something faculty must manage alone. At NCFDD, we provide evidence-based strategies to help set boundaries, manage workloads, and rebuild a sustainable, fulfilling career in academia—without sacrificing well-being in the process.
Faculty burnout is reaching a crisis point
1. TimelyCare Dec 2023 national survey of 520 faculty and staff 2. Healthy Minds Network 2022-2023 faculty/staff survey
NCFDD Services to Overcome Faculty Burnout
Effective programs to help you manage stress, boost productivity, and reclaim your well-being.
14-Day Writing Challenge
The 14-Day Writing Challenge helps faculty build sustainable writing habits in a supportive, low-pressure environment. By setting manageable daily goals and connecting with peers, you’ll make steady progress on your writing projects while reducing stress and avoiding burnout.
Designed for:
Graduate students | Early Career | Alt-ac | Tenure Track | Mid-Career Faculty | Senior Faculty
Institutional Membership
NCFDD’s Institutional Membership gives you access to the structure, support, and resources needed to manage workload, set boundaries, and create a sustainable career. With research-based strategies for time management, productivity, and work-life balance, you’ll learn how to reduce stress while staying engaged in your work. Through the Core Curriculum and a supportive community, Institutional Membership helps you build habits that prevent burnout and support long-term success.
Designed for:
Graduate students | Early Career | Alt-ac | Tenure Track | Mid-Career Faculty | Senior Faculty
Related Solutions
Administrators
Faculty Development
Professional growth is essential for faculty success. NCFDD offers structured development programs that enhance teaching, research, and leadership skills, helping faculty navigate the evolving demands of academia while advancing their careers.
Faculty
Mentoring Solutions
Traditional mentoring structures often leave faculty without the support they need. Our innovative, scalable approach ensures that every faculty member has access to mentorship that fosters growth, connection, and career advancement.
Faculty
Explosive Productivity
From balancing research and teaching to meeting publication goals, faculty need proven strategies to maximize productivity. NCFDD’s tools and frameworks help faculty stay focused, meet deadlines, and achieve their professional goals—without sacrificing work-life balance.
“Prior to FSP, I was struggling to find time to write manuscripts (teaching, service, and grant writing were getting done but at the expense of writing papers). Not being able to work on the science that got me excited about this career was contributing to my feeling of burnout. I felt like I was always doing things because of external pressures, and everything was always on fire because I greatly overcommitted myself to different projects.
I greatly benefitted from putting together a strategic plan (and then adjusting it when reality showed me my goals weren’t tailored correctly) and weekly planning meetings. They are just so helpful to figure out what you can do and when, and when to say no because you truly do not have the time.”
Anastasia Makhanova, PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Arkansas
Beyond Burnout: Supporting Faculty Well-Being
Faculty well-being isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. While many campuses prioritize student mental health, too often the wellness of faculty and staff is overlooked. This on-demand webinar explores the root causes of burnout and offers a practical framework for supporting faculty through the lenses of purpose, compassion, connection, and balance.
- Understand Burnout: Learn how to identify signs, symptoms, and consequences that show up in academic life.
- Explore What Drives It: Examine how institutional culture and misaligned expectations contribute to burnout.
- Get Actionable Strategies: Walk away with tools to foster a more sustainable, supportive academic environment.
Watch Part 1 of this timely series and start building a culture where faculty can thrive.
