How Small Nonprofits Can Prevent Burnout Without Big Budgets

🧠 The research

Reports from The National Council of Nonprofits and Workplace Wellness Index highlight ongoing challenges in nonprofit staffing: burnout, high turnover, and stagnant wages. 45% of nonprofit employees say they’ve considered leaving due to emotional exhaustion. And for small nonprofits, replacing staff — especially those in dual or hybrid roles — can feel almost impossible. The result? Capacity gaps, team stress, and strategic drift.

💭 My take on it

This isn’t just a staffing issue — it’s a sustainability issue. The nonprofits that will thrive are those that view team wellbeing as infrastructure. If you’re only solving for programs, you’re not solving for performance.

🔧 What this means for you

Small nonprofits don’t need giant budgets to improve team retention. Try:

• Flexible schedules: Trust and autonomy go a long way (a really long way)

• Quarterly check-ins: Not just for performance, but for wellbeing

• Shared capacity planning: Map who owns what, then rebalance

  • Like I did for this veterans foundation

• Invest in small wins: Paid wellness days, coaching stipends, or childcare support

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress toward a healthier culture.

References

The Nonprofit Workforce Shortage Crisis

Nonprofits are enduring a shortage of employees and the public suffers because fewer employees mean reduced capacity, longer waiting lists, reduced services, and sometimes a complete end of services.

www.councilofnonprofits.org/nonprofit-workforce-shortage-crisis

Insights to Impact: 2024 Workplace Well-being Report

Employee well-being is under significant pressure in our Canadian child care sector. This report highlights why it's so important that we change that.

www.ymcaworkwell.com/insights-to-impact-2024