Who should attend

This course is designed for anyone, whether they are currently experiencing burnout, facing workplace challenges, or proactively seeking to prevent burnout and foster a healthier work environment.

While this course serves as a valuable tool for promoting well-being and developing strategies to cope with workplace challenges, it is important to clarify that it is not a substitute for professional mental health therapy. It is intended as a complementary resource. Those facing significant mental health challenges are strongly encouraged to seek the necessary professional assessment and support.

What you will learn

Learning objectives

• Understand burnout, how to recognise it, and how mindfulness can support recovery and prevention
• Identify what contributes to mental (cognitive) overload and explore ways to reduce it
• Explore how to reduce empathic distress, regulate emotions, and cultivate compassion
• Strengthen your sense of common humanity to support more compassionate interactions
• Develop healthier work-life habits, including strategies for engagement, switching off, and increasing job satisfaction

Program structure

The course will consist of a range of offerings including videos to summarise key points, some text to flesh out those key points, guided practices, interactive discussion forums, feedback videos drawn from hot topics and questions arising from the week's discussion forums, self-assessment questionnaires, and further reading and resources if you are interested to learn more. You are in control of how far you take your learning. Do you just want to cover the basics? Do you want to go deeper? It's up to you.

Session 1: The essentials of burnout and mindfulness

Session 2: Managing mental load

Session 3: Managing emotions mindfully

Session 4: Engaging with work and life

Testimonials

"A well-structured course that breaks down the contributing factors of burnout while providing straightforward strategies for self-care in order to avoid burnout." - Pastoral Care Practitioner

Professor Craig Hassed OAM

Professor Craig Hassed OAM is a leading figure in mindfulness and contemplative education, with over three decades at Monash University where he pioneered the integration of mindfulness into medical training. He is Director of Education at the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, author of 14 books, and a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to medicine and health.

Dr Sherelle Connaughton, PhD

Dr Sherelle Connaughton is the Education Coordinator at the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, where she leads the development and delivery of contemplative education across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. A skilled educator and experienced mindfulness practitioner, Sherelle has contributed to leading journals and co-facilitated globally recognised online programs supporting thousands of learners worldwide.

Adjunct Associate Professor Richard Chambers

Dr Richard Chambers is a clinical psychologist and internationally recognised expert in mindfulness. Richard is a key contributor to the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies.

What does the course involve?

Course includes videos, articles, guided practices, self-assessment questionnaires, resources, online discussion forums, feedback videos.

Is there any compulsory assessment in this course?

No. There is no compulsory assessment in this course.

How much time does the course take each week?

The course covers approximately 1-2 hour of content per week. This can be more or less depending on the time you choose to spend exploring additional resources, exercises and engaging in discussion with other participants.

I don't have 1-2 hour per week available, can I still do the course and benefit?

Yes. You are in control of how far you take your learning. Do you just want to cover the basics? Do you want to go deeper? It's up to you. Many of the resources are downloadable so that you can keep the learnings and practice applying them in your own time.

Is the entire course viewable when the course commences?

Yes.

Do I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

Yes, after completion of an end-of-course survey.

How long do I get access to the course content?

You will have access to the course content for an extra 4 weeks after the course closes (course material is viewable for a total of 8 weeks).

Our organisation would like to have a dedicated run of the course for a large number of our staff only, is this possible?

Yes, please email m3cs@monash.edu to discuss.