The University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies announces the publication of a new white paper, “Recovering from Burnout Through Mentoring,” authored by Carla M. Harris, Ed.D., and Sandra Sessoms-Penny, Ed.D, both fellows at the University of Phoenix Center for Organizational Wellness, Engagement, and Belonging (CO-WEB). The paper examines how structured coaching can support employees experiencing burnout and offers proactive guidance for organizations and leaders to enhance resilience and engagement.
Based on current research and insights from the University’s Career Optimism Index® study, the authors note that employee burnout remains pervasive, with 51% of U.S. workers reporting experiencing it, and argue that mentoring is a scalable, people-centered driver that can improve personal service and workplace outcomes.
The white paper summarizes the evidence-based benefits of mentoring for people navigating burnout, including helping mentees boost self-confidence, improve work performance, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. It also describes the common emotional, physical, and mental signs of employee burnout and provides practical strategies for recovery, such as prioritizing self-care, redefining work perspective, re-evaluating priorities, and seeking support.
“Mentoring gives people a partner in problem solving,” Harris said. “When mentors provide consistent feedback, accountability and encouragement, employees can rebuild confidence and repeat their work in healthier, more sustainable ways.”
“Organizations don’t have to wait for burnout to become a crisis,” added Sessoms-Penny.
By equipping mentors and managers with clear frameworks, leaders can normalize help-seeking, reduce stigma, and create pathways back to purpose and performance.”
Carla M. Harris, Ed.D., University of Phoenix
The full white paper is available on the University of Phoenix Career Institute® website or the College of Doctoral Studies Research Hub.
Harris is an experienced early childhood educator whose educational research focuses on leadership, coaching, and student success. Sessoms-Penny is a Senior Research Fellow at CO-WEB and serves as an undergraduate research methodologist and faculty member in the College of Doctoral Studies.
