Across the behavioral health and child welfare fields, compassion fatigue and burnout are persistent challenges. At Pressley Ridge, we recognized this not only as a workforce issue, but as a critical factor in the quality and consistency of care we provide.
As part of our Four Core Connections framework, Connection to Self plays a vital role in sustaining the people who do this work every day. One of the clearest ways this comes to life is through our approach to building professional resilience.
What We Heard
This work began with listening.
In 2015, an internal assessment of our trauma-informed practices revealed a clear opportunity: while we were deeply focused on supporting the children and families we serve, we needed to strengthen how we support our staff.
The takeaway was simple but important: to provide the best care, we must also care for our workforce.
What We Built
In response, we implemented the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) assessment, a tool that measures:
- Compassion satisfaction.
- Burnout.
- Secondary traumatic stress.
What began as an individual assessment has since evolved into a structured, organization-wide process that helps us better understand and respond to staff needs over time.
How It Works in Practice
Today, the ProQOL survey is administered two times per year across the organization.
- Our Organizational Performance Department leads data collection and analysis.
- Clinical Services partners with programs to interpret results.
- Each program receives tailored insights and support.
From there, teams can access targeted resources, including workshops, training sessions, and customized support plans. This ensures that the data doesn’t just inform; it leads to meaningful action.
Why It Matters
Supporting Connection to Self is essential in work that asks so much of individuals.
By creating space for reflection, conversation, and growth, we help staff better understand their own experiences and build the skills needed to sustain themselves in this work. The result is not only improved well-being, but stronger, more consistent care for the children and families we serve.
What Others Can Learn
For organizations looking to take a similar approach, a few key principles stand out:
- Start with data to understand your workforce experience.
- Listen intentionally and create space for honest feedback.
- Commit to follow-through with tangible support and resources.
- View resilience as ongoing work, not a one-time initiative.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to build on this work, we are exploring how professional resilience connects to staff retention, supervision, and long-term outcomes. Because when we strengthen Connection to Self, we strengthen every connection that follows.