Participant Perceptions of a University Continuing Education Intervention Addressing Job Burnout and Self-Care Strategies

Objective: The current study assessed outcomes of a continuing professional education program aimed at managing job-related stress to assist employees with recognizing and managing burnout and enhancing both productivity and overall well-being. Study Design: This study outlines the implementation of a needs assessment survey and the development of a non-credit training course for working professionals that addressed risks of burnout, suicidality, and self-care strategies to support mental health in the workplace. Methods: The sample for the current study consisted of 398 predominantly mid- to senior-level professionals. Participants were divided into two cohorts. The first cohort completed a structured needs assessment survey between June 2023 and July 2023 and provided ideas for curriculum development. The second cohort participated in synchronous, instructor-led virtual training sessions and completed pre- and post-training questionnaires between January 2024 and June 2024. A mixed-method content analysis was conducted to identify recurring themes and their frequency in course questionnaires. Results: Findings suggest that the training successfully expanded participants’ understanding of signs of burnout and of new approaches to improve well-being in the workplace including forming friendships, engaging in mindfulness activities, and taking time off for a mental health day. Conclusions: Future research should explore the long-term impacts of such interventions and compare delivery methods, including virtual and in-person formats, to determine the most effective approaches for promoting mental well-being at work.