While there are several factors that contribute to mitigating high stress and exhaustion for employees, prioritizing rest stands out as essential. When nonprofit organizations embed rest into their culture, they create environments where employees have permission to recharge, think creatively, and refuel their passion. Importantly, rest isn’t just an individual responsibility—it’s an organizational necessity.

As a nonprofit leader, you’re likely no stranger to the emotional demands of your work. The high-stakes and fast-paced nature of social impact work often leaves little time to slow down and process what’s happening in your communities and beyond. Sometimes, major events—such as political changes or environmental crises—directly impact your work and livelihood. In the wake of these moments, you and your teams are often asked to take action and quickly adapt to what's happening, leaving little time to pause, reflect, and process.