How to Handle HOA Burnout in New Jersey

In homeowners associations, a handful of people carry the load for an entire community. So it’s no wonder board members and property managers can feel overworked. Stress and anxiety can become severe problems if left to fester. However, you can take steps now to prevent and ease the causes of HOA burnout in New Jersey.   

FAQ: What causes HOA board burnout?

Two of the leading causes of burnout are burdensome workload and a lack of support. Board members burn out when they take on more work than they can handle and don’t receive adequate help from the community. This can lead to frustration, irritability, and a lack of motivation. One of the difficult factors of being a board member is trying to please everybody, which is an unrealistic goal and sometimes leads to pleasing very few.  Boards also must have a management company who understands their needs and provides intellectually honest communication.  

Share the Work

The first step in reducing burnout is to spread the workload. For example, you could create a committee system and ask community members to participate. The committees alleviate some of the burdens on overtaxed board members.   However, it’s imperative that committees are provided the proper guidance through a Charter describing committee members’ roles and responsibilities.  In addition, there must be a clear delineation of who is making the final decision.  (99% of the time it will be the board)  Likewise, hiring the right professional management company is imperative and will certainly eliminate stress. When the manager runs the day-to-day operations, the board can meet once a month to receive updates and make necessary decisions.

Self-care

Board members care about their property and community. At the same time, we need to care for ourselves. Practicing self-care boosts mood and protects against burnout. Encourage each member to schedule a specific time and location for self-care. For example, spend 15 minutes in mindful meditation with your morning coffee. HOAs can also plan board retreats where members can relax. 

Communication 

Leadership is all about communication, and it starts with active listening. Open up the lines of communication, so board members feel comfortable talking about why they feel stressed. Honest conversations can get at the root cause of burnout. And problems are easier to solve when everyone understands the issues. 

Be Kind

One burned-out board member can spread stress to others. Likewise, someone with a positive attitude can uplift others. It’s difficult to stay kind under pressure, but treating others with kindness helps alleviate stress. Empathy is the root of a successful organization. You never know what someone else is going through in their life. So be generous and understanding with others and yourself. Err on the side of compassion by assuming people have good intentions at heart. 

HOA Burnout in New Jersey

Board members and property managers are human. At times, we have to deal with stressful issues. However, problems get resolved faster and smoother when we keep cool heads and communicate with respect and kindness. Having a property management company in your corner helps alleviate HOA burnout in New Jersey. Our full-service property management team is dedicated to making your life easier. Give us a call at 973-376-3925.