In the realm of university student affairs, combating workplace dread is critical. This is particularly necessary for housing and residence life. Research identifies key causes of work disengagement, includes managerial biases, perceived unfairness, negative political dynamics, excessive workload, and inadequate accountability [1]. Notably, organizational injustice, political issues, and work overload strongly correlate with disengagement, with injustice being the most significant factor [2]. The fallout of employee disengagement is profound, affecting both organizations and individuals through reduced involvement, satisfaction, commitment, performance, and trust, while escalating stress [3].

Recent Gallup studies have highlighted a concerning global trend: workplace stress levels are on the rise. In Canada and the United States, this issue is particularly acute, with over half of the workforce – 52% of employees – reporting high levels of stress experienced in the previous day. This statistic is alarming and points to a growing problem in the modern workplace.

Further compounding this issue is a notable decrease in the number of employees who feel a strong connection to their organization’s mission and purpose. This detachment can have serious implications. When employees don’t feel aligned with the goals and values of their organization, it not only affects their job satisfaction and performance but also their overall well-being.

This growing sense of disconnection can manifest in various ways. One emerging phenomenon is ‘quiet quitting,’ where employees disengage from their roles, doing the bare minimum required. In more extreme cases, it can lead to individuals leaving their professions entirely, a trend that was prominently observed during the ‘Great Resignation.’ This period saw unprecedented numbers of people reevaluating their careers and life choices, often opting to leave jobs that no longer fulfilled them personally or professionally. These trends underscore the importance of addressing workplace stress and fostering a sense of purpose and connection among employees. It’s becoming increasingly clear that job satisfaction and employee well-being are deeply intertwined with how connected individuals feel to the larger mission and values of their organization.

Student Affairs professionals are currently navigating an exceptionally challenging landscape in their workplaces, arguably more so now than ever before. These challenges are multifaceted and complex, encompassing a wide range of issues that extend far beyond the traditional scope of their roles. These include, but are not limited to, student mental health crises, hunger and homelessness, DEI inequities, financial concerns, enrollment challenges, and ongoing budget cuts. These challenges require Student Affairs professionals to adapt, innovate, and continually develop their skills. They are expected to be not only administrators but also mentors, counselors, and crisis managers, often working in environments that are not only dynamically changing and increasingly complex but also, at times, may not be the most civil or healthy of workplaces.

In the face of rising workplace stress and the challenges of feeling disconnected from an organization’s mission, it is crucial for individuals to proactively manage their well-being and work environment. To navigate these turbulent times effectively, there are several tactics and suggestions that can be employed. These strategies are not just about coping with the present challenges but also about building a resilient and fulfilling personal and professional life. Let’s explore each of these strategies in more detail to understand how they can be applied in practical, everyday contexts.

• Establish Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial to prevent overworking and burnout. It’s important to recognize that doing more is not always better, especially when it concerns your health. Focus on identifying the essential tasks that need to be accomplished each day and commit to those without continuously adding more throughout the workday. Colleagues outside the Student Affairs field have offered a simple yet effective piece of advice: go to work, then go home, leaving work at work. For those in servant leadership roles, accustomed to extending themselves to help others, this approach can be challenging. However, it’s vital to understand that constantly helping others and sacrificing personal time for work can lead to heightened stress and anxiety. Prioritizing your well-being is not just beneficial for you, but it also enables you to be more effective in your role.

• Seek Professional Support: Seeking support from a therapist or counselor is a highly recommended strategy, particularly for managing chronic stress and anxiety that stem from work-related issues. A variety of counseling services are accessible, both in-person and online, catering to different needs and preferences. Numerous colleges and universities provide access to such counseling services as part of their employee benefits package. This professional support can offer a safe space to discuss challenges, develop coping strategies, and gain new perspectives on workplace stressors. It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Utilizing these resources can lead to significant improvements in your mental health and overall job satisfaction. Furthermore, therapists and counselors can provide tailored advice and techniques to help you navigate the unique challenges of your role in Student Affairs, ensuring that you’re not only coping but thriving in your professional life.

• Cultivate a Supportive Network: Building a network of supportive colleagues and peers is crucial for sharing experiences and strategies for managing workplace stress. However, it’s important to be discerning about whom you confide in, as constant exposure to negativity can increase your own stress levels. Aim to connect with peers who are not only empathetic to your challenges but also contribute positively to your mental well-being. Look for colleagues who offer constructive feedback, share effective coping strategies, and maintain a positive attitude. This network can become a valuable resource for mutual encouragement, exchanging ideas, and providing a sense of camaraderie. Additionally, be cautious about engaging in social media groups focused on professional topics, as these can sometimes be sources of added stress rather than support. Often, such online groups may inadvertently amplify negative aspects of work-life, adding to your stress rather than alleviating it. To maintain a healthy balance, it’s advisable to curate your social media interactions to ensure they are supportive and uplifting, rather than draining or demoralizing.

• Engage in Professional Development: Engaging in professional development opportunities is an excellent way to stay motivated, refreshed, and keep your skills current. This doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive; it can be as simple as attending speaking events on your campus, enrolling in free or low-cost webinars, or reading books available at your campus library. If there’s a specific book you’re interested in that’s not in your library, remember that you can often request it through interlibrary loan, usually free of charge for employees. When choosing professional development activities, it’s important to select those that genuinely interest you and bring joy, rather than participating out of a sense of “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO). Be mindful of not overcommitting to professional development, especially activities with the national and regional Student Affairs organizations, as this can become a source of stress in itself. The goal is to enrich your professional life and enhance your job satisfaction, not to add to your workload or stress. Choose activities that align with your interests and career goals and remember that sometimes less is more when it comes to professional development.

• Change Yourself, Change your Boss, or Change Your Job: This is a powerful mantra for those navigating workplace challenges. When faced with stressful or unsatisfying work situations, you essentially have three options: change your own approach to the situation, attempt to change the dynamics with your boss, or if neither of those seems feasible, consider changing your job.
• Change Yourself: This involves reflecting on and adjusting your own attitudes, behaviors, and coping strategies. It could mean developing new skills, altering your perspective on work challenges, or improving your stress management techniques.
• Change Your Boss: This doesn’t literally mean replacing your boss, but rather, changing the dynamics of your relationship. This could involve setting clearer expectations, improving communication, or finding common ground. Effective dialogue and feedback can sometimes transform a challenging relationship into a more productive and less stressful one.
• Change Your Job: If the first two options are unviable or ineffective, it might be time to consider seeking new employment opportunities. Changing your job can be a daunting prospect, but it can also open doors to new environments where you can thrive. This might mean transferring to a different department, finding a similar role in a new organization, or even changing your career path altogether. Many Student Affairs professionals have done this with meaningful results.

In summary, navigating the complex and often stressful landscape of university student affairs, particularly in housing and residence life, requires a multifaceted approach. Understanding the root causes of work disengagement and addressing them through practical strategies is essential. Whether it’s establishing boundaries, seeking professional support, cultivating a supportive network, engaging in targeted professional development, or reevaluating your role and relationships at work, each step is crucial in combatting workplace dread and disengagement. By proactively managing these aspects, Student Affairs professionals can not only enhance their own well-being and job satisfaction but also contribute positively to the overall health and effectiveness of their organizations. In doing so, you can set a powerful example for others in the field and pave the way for a more engaged and satisfied workforce.