Reducing HOA Board Member Burnout
Serving as part of the HOA board is a commitment. It can be very rewarding, but it can also be a lot of work if the right structure and procedures are not put in place. When board members feel as though they are handling the brunt of the work, it can lead to burnout and turnover on the board. Creating more balance and delegation of responsibilities can allow board members to stay active and enjoy their role without feeling overwhelmed. Below are just a few tips on reducing HOA Board Member Burnout in your community.
- Balance Responsibilities. Make sure that no single board member is taking on too many tasks. Spread things out among all members and let each person focus on responsibilities they enjoy or are especially good at. Some tasks require more time or energy than others, so take this into consideration as well.
- Utilize Committees. If the HOA doesn’t have several standing or special committees, it may be time to create them. Getting other homeowners involved can allow the board to spend its time focusing on issues that can’t be handled by committees. It can reduce stress and provide more support and efficiency for getting things done. Plus, homeowners often enjoy putting their talents to good use and making a positive difference in the community.
- Determine which responsibilities must be handled by the board, and which ones can be addressed by committees. Hiring a property manager can also be a wonderful investment and create a strong partnership for the community. The HOA can receive the support it needs to get things done and also have the expertise of a professional in the industry. This can reduce both stress and burnout for the HOA board and enhance the positive impact of the HOA on the community.
- Biggest Isn’t Always Better. While it may seem that having a larger board would help with sharing responsibilities, this can also cause more chaos. Try to keep things small and concise. Fewer board members means that there is more opportunity to have other homeowners step up when a board member decides to step down. This can also allow members to participate in other fulfilling ways if they aren’t ready to be on the board yet, or allow for succession training.
While the board is an integral part in running an HOA community, these members are homeowners as well and many have a career outside of their board position. Easing stress and reducing burnout by creating a more collaborative environment between the board, committees, homeowners, and a property manager can have a positive impact on the community as a whole. Contact Kuester today to learn more about how we can help with property and HOA management and for help on Reducing HOA Board Member Burnout.