Help! How Do I Fix our HOA Volunteer Burn-Out?

“Looks like you’ve been missing a lot of work lately.”

“I wouldn’t say I’ve been MISSING it, Bob.”

The exchange between a by-the-book HR consultant and burned-out employee in 1999’s cult classic “Office Space” may be one of the best illustrations of burnout in recent cinematic history.

And though the movie brings laughs, it’s only funny because it’s so relatable: Who hasn’t experienced that all-too familiar feeling defined by Merriam-Webster as the “exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration?”

It’s funny to see on the big screen, but the issue can be serious – particularly for any organization that relies on volunteer effort, like your HOA board.

Once you start seeing red flags of burnout in a volunteer – like a lack of engagement or communication, increased absenteeism at meetings and special events, an apathetic attitude towards board work, and/or incomplete tasks and responsibilities – in a single board member or the entire group, it’s time to take action.

The first step to fixing the problem is starting a positive, constructive dialogue with the board member/s in question. Keep some of these tips in mind during your discussion:

Find out if they’re looking for a new challenge. The board member in question may be interested in serving but have grown bored with his or her current roles and responsibilities, especially if the volunteer has been in the same position for some time. Find out if they are looking for new, different challenges and responsibilities.
Be open and adaptable. It’s possible that a burned-out board member may have some frustrations to air, or even construction criticism on how the HOA board operates. Be willing to hear his or her concerns, and open to change or evolution when appropriate. Perhaps your board could work on better defining its goals, vision, and expectations – both now and for future volunteers.
Ensure that you are respecting boundaries and schedules. Volunteers have full, busy, and active lives outside of their responsibilities on the HOA board. Make sure that the board is not asking an unreasonable amount from current volunteer board members.
Consider recruiting. If there is simply too much work shared by too few people, it may be time to launch a recruitment effort among your homeowners’ association.