In 2020, as part of the research activities in the Burnout Aid project,
in addition to the interviews carried out in the NGOs, we conducted expert
interviews on professional and activist burnout in the third sector. These interviews confirmed many conclusions we drew from the non-governmental
organizations studies, f.e. the relationship between burnout and unstable
financial situation, excessive bureaucracy in NGOs or too strong identification
with values and mission of the organization. Experts confirm that there is indeed a problem of burnout in the third sector and that it should be addressed and dealt with urgently.
The interviewed experts included:
- in Poland: lawyer (labor law specialist, incorporating both legal
and psychological aspects into their practice); representatives
of a non-governmental organization effectively implementing
anti-burnout policy; anti-discrimination and anti-burnout
activist and educator; psychiatrist (PhD); trainer, psychologist
and consultant running original training programs; - in Croatia: psychologist (PhD) professionally engaged in research on
burnout and burnout prevention programs among helping professions;
psychologist (PhD) – teachers’ well-being specialist; medical doctor
– occupational and sports medicine specialist; representative of
the governmental office for cooperation with NGOs; trainer and
consultant for organizational development and strategic planning; - in Slovenia: psychotherapist working with people affected by burnout
syndrome; educator and trauma researcher; medical doctor and
psychotherapist (author of a book on burnout); psychotherapist
and supervisor; professor of psychology – burnout specialist.
A total of 15 interviews were conducted in three countries. Each of our
interlocutors’ professional activities are related to burnout in a different way,
and they analyze the syndrome from different perspectives. They have had
various relationships with NGOs in the past, some have worked in NGOs, others – with NGOs teams, some have only had singular contacts with the third
sector activists. Finally, there are also these who have experienced burnout
and it became a reason to pursue this topic professionally.
The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.
