ERG Leader Burnout Reframed

Burnout within ERGs is often framed as a workload problem. In practice, it is frequently an ownership problem.

Most ERG leaders expect to invest time and energy into the role. They understand that planning events, coordinating initiatives, and responding to member needs requires effort. What often becomes more challenging is carrying responsibility for an entire community.

Over time, a pattern can emerge in which a small group of highly committed individuals becomes responsible for most of the work. They organize events, facilitate conversations, communicate updates, build relationships, and solve problems as they arise. Because they are capable and dependable, additional responsibilities naturally find their way back to them.

Initially, this can look like engagement. The ERG is active. Events are happening. Members are participating.

The problem is that activity can obscure concentration.

When a small number of people are responsible for most of the planning, decision-making, and execution, the ERG becomes increasingly dependent on their continued involvement. As that dependency grows, sustainability becomes more fragile.

This is why burnout within ERGs is not always a matter of workload alone. It is often connected to how ownership is distributed.

Healthy ERGs create opportunities for members to contribute at different levels. Not everyone will lead a committee, coordinate a major initiative, or step into a leadership position. However, meaningful participation exists between attending and leading.

The more pathways that exist for contribution, the less likely responsibility becomes concentrated in a handful of individuals.

Evaluating sustainability requires looking beyond outputs and considering how the work itself is shared.

• Who helps move initiatives forward?

• Who takes responsibility for specific pieces of work?

• Who is developing the experience and confidence needed to lead in the future?

These questions often reveal more about the long-term health of an ERG than the number of events on a calendar.

Most ERG leaders are willing to work hard.

The greater challenge is ensuring they do not have to work alone.

A small next step

Think about the last three initiatives your ERG completed.

How many people were involved in making them happen?

How many of those people would likely volunteer again?