January 27, 2025 - Blog Post

How Condominium Board Directors Can Avoid Burnout

I’ve been a board director for many years, and I’m sure many of you can relate. There are definitely moments when you pause and wonder why you keep taking on the responsibility—especially when the demands feel never-ending. Whether it’s the constant interruptions in your personal life or having to deal with challenging behavior, the role can sometimes feel like a heavy burden. We’ve all been there, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer weight of it all, and questioning if it’s all worth it.

Being a condominium board director comes with a range of responsibilities, from overseeing property maintenance to managing finances, resolving disputes, and ensuring community well-being.  While these tasks are crucial for the smooth operation of the condominium, the role can be demanding and sometimes lead to burnout.  Here are some strategies board directors can adopt to avoid feeling overwhelmed:

1. Delegate Tasks
   One of the most effective ways to prevent burnout is by sharing responsibilities.  Directors should work together to delegate tasks, such as organizing meetings, addressing resident concerns, or managing vendors.  A clear division of labor ensures no one person is overwhelmed and helps foster a team-oriented approach to problem-solving.
2. Set Boundaries
   Board directors often deal with numerous emails, phone calls, and resident complaints. To avoid burnout, it’s important to establish boundaries.  Directors should determine reasonable response times, communicate their availability to residents, and avoid taking on tasks outside of their scope.  Managing expectations from both residents and fellow board members can help alleviate stress.
3. Hold Efficient Meetings
   Time management is key.  Directors should ensure that meetings are well-organized and focused on essential topics.  Setting an agenda in advance, limiting meeting time, and avoiding unnecessary discussions can help keep the workload manageable and ensure that directors don't feel like they’re constantly in “meeting mode.”
4. Prioritize Self-Care
   The demands of board responsibilities should not come at the expense of personal well-being.  Directors should prioritize time for themselves, whether it’s engaging in a hobby, exercising, or spending time with loved ones.  Taking breaks and maintaining a healthy work-life balance helps prevent burnout and boosts overall productivity.
5. Communicate Openly with Fellow Directors
   Board directors should foster an environment of open communication with their fellow members. Regular check-ins, brainstorming sessions, and discussions about workload distribution can help directors feel supported and less isolated in their roles. Collaborative decision-making ensures that no one person bears the full weight of leadership.

By taking proactive steps to manage their workload, establish boundaries, and maintain a healthy balance, condominium board directors can help avoid burnout and continue to serve their communities effectively.

Michael Kennedy
CCI Nova Scotia