Bi-Weekly Wellbeing Brief: 6/29/2026 (And Summer Pause)
June 29 Overview
Since we began posting this brief in October 2025, we've watched the conversation around nonprofit burnout evolve from isolated stories to a growing, global movement in support of wellbeing. Every two weeks, our inboxes have been filled with new research, workplace innovations, and leaders and institutions asking the same question: How do we build organizations where people can do good and be well?
As summer arrives, we notice the burnout conversation slowing. Our assumption is that this is a reflection of people taking time to rest, disconnect, and recover. We’re following the trend: this will be our last Bi-Weekly Wellbeing Brief until September 2026—a small reminder that rest is part of the work. At Do Good Leadership Collective, we believe wellbeing isn't just something we research, but also something we model and embody. We’ll see you in the Fall. In the meantime:
🪫 The B-word: What’s happening with Burnout?
A recent feature from Florida Trend reminds us that nonprofit workforce strain doesn't stop with organizations—it affects entire communities and local economies. As nonprofits become increasingly stretched thin, their ability to deliver essential services, strengthen neighborhoods, and contribute to regional economic health is compromised. Burnout, in other words, is not simply an organizational concern; it's a community issue.
We're also seeing burnout recognized as a risk management issue. News from Insurance Journal shares that insurance companies and legal experts are drawing stronger connections between chronic workplace stress, poor organizational culture, employee mistakes, and the increased likelihood of grievances and litigation. Investing in healthier workplaces is becoming as much about organizational resilience as employee wellbeing.
At the individual level, burnout continues to show up differently depending on the work people do. Recent reporting from newstimes highlights the hidden toll experienced by nonprofit communications and social media professionals—roles that require constant emotional engagement, public responsiveness, and navigating criticism while simultaneously advancing organizational missions.
💭 Innovations & New Thinking
An inspiring example of workplace innovation comes from nonprofit leader Doretha Polite, whose organization (Texas Civil Rights Project) is redefining what nonprofit benefits can look like. Rather than accepting the narrative that nonprofit employees should expect fewer workplace supports, the organization has invested in benefits that acknowledge employees as whole people with lives beyond work.
We're seeing encouraging conversations around equity-centered talent strategy. New guidance from NonProfit Pro suggests organizations don't always need larger budgets or additional staff to build healthier workplaces. Instead, leaders can redesign hiring practices, increase transparency, create clearer growth pathways, and intentionally distribute opportunities and decision-making more equitably.
An encouraging sign that the workforce tide is shifting comes from the Independent Sector, who is currently hiring a Director, Center of Excellence on the Nonprofit Workforce, a role focused on helping strengthen organizational health across the nonprofit ecosystem.
📍 Local to San Diego
Not much to report here in San Diego, but we’re wishing our local nonprofit leaders a restful and restorative summer!
✅ Quick Takeaways
Burnout continues to affect not only nonprofit workers but also the strength of our communities and local economies.
Healthy workplace cultures are increasingly being recognized as part of sound organizational risk management.
Certain roles, including communications and marketing professionals, continue to face unique burnout challenges.
Organizations are redefining employee support through stronger benefits and more equitable talent strategies.
Sometimes the most meaningful wellbeing practice is simply giving ourselves permission to pause.
Do Good Leadership Collective is a San Diego-based consultancy that helps social impact professionals Do Good and Be Well.
