*3.2. The Reality of COVID-19 and Societal Stressors Facing Leaders*

Participants often spoke about the emotional burden personally and professionally of the various external stresses due to the pandemic, political, economic, and social discord, and the chaotic and stressful situation of remote work. Furthermore, they mentioned the difficulty in cultivating relationships, providing clear communication, building teams, and supporting staff in striving for a healthy work–life balance amid the added burdens of working at home and caring for children and family members. Most mentioned that Zoom fatigue and a lack of boundaries between work and home led to overworking, burnout, and other mental health and physical health fatigue. These were coupled with descriptions of varying prior toxic work environments, exacerbated by the disruption of COVID-19 that restricted innovation, did not engender feelings of support, or foster creativity.
