The role of the compliance officer is often stressful. In 2022, the Corporate Compliance Institute published a survey of 240 compliance officers. According to the findings, 59% felt burned out, 51% have “a lot of” or “extreme job-related stress” and 56% feel their mental health has been negatively affected. Of the compliance officers surveyed, 69% find the pace of changing regulations the most stressful with 48% concerned about personal liability.
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Compliance is difficult in the best of circumstances; however, it can be much more difficult when you feel unsupported, marginalized, or disrespected. Unsurprising, the survey found that better workplace relationships correspond with greater effectiveness, higher satisfaction, and lower rates of stress, anxiety, and depression. There was also a significant correlation between the respect and trust compliance officers feel from their colleagues and managers and how well they rate the efficacy of both themselves and the compliance department.
How can compliance officers cope when they feel as though no one else cares about the compliance program or they do care but leadership perceives their role as narrower than what they wish or think it should be? That’s our tip this week – 5 ideas to address times when you feel like you’re the only one who cares about the compliance program.
