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While much attention has been given to the mental health challenges faced by college students, it’s crucial for higher education leaders to recognize the personal and professional hardships experienced by faculty and staff as well.
According to a study by Academic Matters, a consortium of 17,000 university faculty and academic librarians, “Almost two-thirds of academics reported experiencing mental health issues, such as anxiety, psychological distress, depression, and burnout, at some point in their career.” Apart from focusing on student support, colleges and universities must also prioritize resources to ensure the well-being of their faculty and staff.
Challenges faced by faculty and staff
A 2022 survey by CUPA-HR found that more than half of higher ed professionals were likely to seek employment outside the sector in the following year. Subsequent studies and news reports have revealed a decline in faculty and staff mental health. Several factors contribute to this situation:
- Work-related stress: Faculty and staff face high levels of stress due to demanding workloads, deadlines, and academic pressure. Balancing teaching, research, administration, and student support can lead to burnout.
- Emotional depletion: Dealing with diverse student populations and academic pressures can take an emotional toll. Faculty and staff constantly navigate challenging situations, leading to emotional exhaustion.
- Limited resources and support: Faculty and staff may have limited access to mental health resources tailored to their needs.
- Work-life balance: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is challenging due to long hours and irregular schedules, leading to chronic stress and mental health problems.
- Occupational hazards: Constant exposure to sensitive or traumatic topics can impact mental well-being, especially for those in psychology, social work, or healthcare education.
- Job insecurity: Many faculty and staff face job insecurity and work on precarious contracts, contributing to stress and anxiety.
- Organizational culture and support: Unsatisfactory organizational culture, lack of recognition, and inadequate communication can lead to mental health challenges.
- Increased involvement in student mental health: Faculty members often support student well-being but lack proper training, affecting their mental health.
- Need for training and resources: Faculty express a desire for training from mental health professionals to handle student mental illness effectively.
- Inclusivity and belonging: Inclusive environments are essential, especially for faculty of color, to refer students to support resources.
Resources for faculty and staff well-being
To address these challenges, colleges and universities must provide appropriate resources and support systems:
Increase investments in mental health services
Establish a culture of caring on campus
Promote a culture that prioritizes well-being and self-care through workshops, seminars, and initiatives. Encourage faculty and staff to engage in self-care practices and seek support when needed.
Develop faculty and staff toolkits and surveys
Conduct mental health surveys specifically for faculty and staff. Create comprehensive toolkits that provide information about available mental health services tailored to their requirements. These toolkits can include resources for self-assessment, meditation activities, reflection materials, and both on- and off-campus resources.
Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in mental health services
Schools should ensure mental health services are equitable and accessible to all faculty and staff, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Offering on-campus counseling services and providing employee assistance programs can be instrumental in supporting their mental health. It’s important to address any disparities and create a safe and inclusive environment.
Normalize mental health conversations and empowerment
Institutions should acknowledge and discuss faculty and staff mental health concerns. This includes recognizing everyone’s experience is unique and understanding that “normal” looks different for everyone. Schools can encourage open dialogue, create virtual platforms for anonymous sharing, and provide support that aligns with the diverse needs of faculty and staff.
Prioritize faculty and staff mental health
Examples of positive initiatives
Several institutions, like Virginia Tech, the University of Notre Dame, and Barnard College, have implemented initiatives to support faculty and staff mental health. Virginia Tech offers valuable resources for developing support systems tailored to the specific needs of faculty and staff. “We have dozens of programs to provide health education to employees and flexible work options. We have a mental health first aid training that we offer to employees, so it teaches them the skills they need to be able to recognize and respond to mental health or substance use challenges amongst their colleagues,” stated Julie Carlson, Health Educator at Virginia Tech.
Similarly, the University of Notre Dame and Barnard College provide inspiring examples of initiatives such as the “Fail Forward Dinner,” creating safe spaces where faculty and staff can share their experiences and emotions with others who understand their challenges. Additionally, virtual meetings with HR, as seen in institutions like Barnard College, provide faculty and staff with the necessary tools to navigate challenging conversations and offer effective support.
Colleges and universities have an opportunity to prioritize the mental health of their faculty and staff by implementing practical steps and fostering a culture of support. By creating environments that encourage seeking support and promoting mental well-being, institutions can build a healthier and more resilient educational environment.
Reach out to TimelyCare
To expand access to mental health care for faculty and staff, consider partnering with TimelyCare. We offer innovative solutions to ensure easy access to mental health care on campus. Prioritizing the well-being of educators can create a supportive environment where mental health care is readily available.
Like Gary Pierson, Dean of Students at Western Colorado University, said, “Our faculty senate were very appreciative to have mental health support as a resource. Just knowing you have it provides a sense of comfort that you just don’t have without knowing it’s there.
“I have to take a moment to really give Virginia Tech credit for being leaders on that front and providing TimelyCare for employees,” said Saad Kahn, Mental Health Initiatives Coordinator at Virginia Tech. “It’s important that employees have their own self-care practices so we can serve students in the best way possible.”
Contact TimelyCare now to make a positive impact on your institution’s faculty and staff mental health.
