International Self-Care Day is just around the corner on the 24th of July, but it’s not all about bubble baths, camomile tea and lie-ins. We’re all for a slow Sunday, but it’s important to remember that self-care isn’t just necessary in your personal life, but also in your professional one.
Working with professional membership associations can be full on, especially alongside a day-job. When workloads pile up and people wear multiple hats it’s important to remember to look after yourself.
Pace Yourself
Many teams in the not-for-profit and professional membership world run on dedication. As fantastic as that can be, it can sometimes lead to unspoken expectations about people always being “on” and available.
It’s important to work sustainably. This might mean having to rethink meetings or clearly communicating to the rest of your team your availability. It can make life very difficult when you cram in extra work just because you “can find time”.
Organisation pacing matters. A committee or board that moves at a consistent pace is one that will go much further than running on empty.
Wellbeing
Self-care often seems to fall into the HR sphere, but not-for-profits and professional membership associations are often volunteer-led, offering their time around busy jobs and family commitments.
A board that is constantly loaded up on tasks and unable to find time to reflect on their actions is likely to be an unhealthy one.
Supporting board wellbeing doesn’t mean removing accountability, it’s there to create conditions that promote effectiveness. Try:
- Setting clear boundaries around communications outside of meetings
- Rotating responsibilities such as chairing meetings
- Setting up check-ins to take time to reflect
- Recognising the effort and value the board members add to the association
Psychological Safety
Openness is absolutely essential. People should be allowed to say, “I don’t know”, or “I’m worried about this”, without the worry of being undermined. Self-care at an organisational level includes building up a psychologically safe environment.
Doing this not only creates a comfortable environment to work in but will help to make meetings more constructive. Good governance doesn’t have to be clinical; it can be thoughtful and supportive if the conditions are right.
Make Space for Reflection
Whether your strategy or operational based, a role on the board can sometimes seem relentless. Rest and reflection should not be treated as luxuries, they’re essential for succession.
This is particularly important in the summer months when energy tends to dip, and diaries get choppy. Finding a way to press pause can make a big difference.
How We Can Help
Self-care creates a healthy work culture where people don’t burn out, decisions are made with care, and sustainability applies to people as well as procedures.
At Cygnul we work in partnership with our clients and are seen as trusted advisors to the Board. We can undertake the full range of membership, secretarial and bookkeeping services as well as offering advice and support to associations around the UK. If you want to explore how these services could help your organisation, please get in touch with us.
