Walking into stress in 2025? Take steps now to prepare

A single person cannot self-care themselves out of the effects of a toxic workplace or organizational culture, but walking together helps people realize they aren't alone. (Godisable Jacob/Pexels)

Five years ago, I began a research project into emotional labour, compassion fatigue and burnout in Alberta’s educational workers.

The results from the earliest study suggested a wide scope of emotional and mental distress among teachers, educational assistants, school leaders and support staff.