5 Silent Mental Health Battles Nonprofit Employees Face

Nonprofit employees are the unsung heroes of our society.

They dedicate their lives to serving others, fighting for justice, and making a difference. They pour their hearts and souls into their work, often putting the needs of others before their own.

However, behind their selfless work lies a silent battle that often goes unnoticed.

The constant pressure to do more with less, the lack of support, and the emotional toll of their work can leave them feeling drained and alone.

It’s time to talk about these challenges.

1. Burnout

Of course, burnout among nonprofit employees is a significant issue. 

According to a McKinsey 2023 survey with 93 nonprofit organizations in Australia, 88% of them identify their stress levels in the “orange” or “red” zones. This signals they’re nearing or experiencing burnout, with this state persisting for months for many.

Burnout often happens when people feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet demands for a prolonged time. 

This can be particularly common in the nonprofit sector due to several reasons:

• High emotional investment. Nonprofit employees often work on causes they’re deeply passionate about. While this can be fulfilling, it can also lead to emotional exhaustion, especially when dealing with challenging and sometimes unchanging social issues.
• Resource constraints. Many nonprofits operate with limited financial resources. This reality often leads to understaffing, low pay, and lack of adequate tools or technology. Employees may take on multiple roles or work longer hours to meet their organization’s goals.
• Mission over market. The drive to serve the mission can sometimes overshadow the need for organizational sustainability and employee well-being. This pushes employees to work beyond their limits without sufficient recognition or support.

2. Lack of HR support

Unlike larger corporations, many nonprofits don’t have dedicated human resources departments. 

Moreover, in some nonprofits, the lines between roles and responsibilities can become blurred. 

For example, the CEO may also serve as the de facto HR representative. This creates an unhealthy dynamic where employees feel uncomfortable discussing their mental health concerns with the same person who oversees their work performance.

Without clear guidelines and a designated point of contact, employees may feel lost and unsure of where to turn. They may fear judgment or lack of understanding from their colleagues or superiors.

3. Vicarious trauma

In the context of nonprofits, secondary trauma (or vicarious trauma) becomes especially relevant due to the nature of the work these organizations do. 

Nonprofit employees often engage directly with individuals and communities experiencing severe distress, trauma, and hardship. This can range from working with survivors of abuse, disaster response efforts, to supporting those living in poverty or facing serious health issues.

4. Compassion fatigue

Nonprofit employees who work with vulnerable populations are at a higher risk of developing compassion fatigue. It’s a state of emotional and physical exhaustion that can develop over time. 

Gradually, the weight of others’ struggles begins to feel overwhelming. 

A person may start to feel numb, disconnected, depressed, anxious, irritable, or hopeless. The compassion and empathy that once fueled their work may start to fade, leaving them feeling drained and burnt out.

It’s not a sign of weakness but a natural response to the emotional demands of nonprofit work.

There is a cost to caring. Professionals who listen to clients’ stories of fear, pain, and suffering may feel similar fear, pain, and suffering because they care. Sometimes we feel we are losing our sense of self to the clients we serve.

– Charles R. Figley, American university professor, the world renowned traumatologist

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5. Poor work-life balance, no time for self-care

McKinsey’s report revealed that poor sleep, lack of exercise, poor life routine, and no time for self-care are among the top stress factors for nonprofit employees.

The demands of the job can often blur the lines between work and personal life and make it difficult to switch off and recharge.

Nonprofit work is often driven by a sense of urgency and a deep commitment to the cause. Employees may feel pressure to work long hours, take on extra responsibilities, or be available around the clock. 

This can lead to a constant state of stress and exhaustion.

They also often struggle with self-care, putting the needs of others before their own. They may feel guilty taking time off, saying no to requests, or prioritizing their own well-being. 

And many just don’t have time for self-care basics.

Accessible mental health support for those who support others

To the leaders of nonprofit organizations: your employees are your most valuable asset.

It’s time to prioritize their mental health and provide them with the professional resources they need to thrive.

We’ve already successfully partnered with nonprofit organizations to provide their staff with the care they deserve.

Your employees can get support from licensed therapists – when they need it, without any barriers. We’re here to help.

Learn more about our B2B mental health services for nonprofits.If you want to see how we can help your team thrive, say hi to our dear Albina Galiza for a demo.