This session with Headlines Network will investigate how setting boundaries can help manage workload and reduce burnout. It will also offer tips and advice around what to do personally or how to support staff who are on the edge of burnout.

The session host is Dr Rebecca Whittington; she joined Reach in 2021 as Online Safety Editor. Rebecca has previously worked in several journalism roles and was course leader for undergraduate journalism at Leeds Trinity University. Her PhD from the University of Leeds analysed digital impacts on local newspapers and journalists in the UK.

Research by Women in Journalism in partnership with Reach Plc (The UK’s largest commercial publisher) found three-quarters of women working in journalism or media in the UK have had some experience of online harm.

More than 400 women completed the research, which also found a quarter had experienced sexual harassment or sexual harassment online, half had reduced the promotion of their work online, and a fifth had considered leaving the industry because of online harms.

Anecdotal responses in the research demonstrated a significant number of participants had experienced backlash, stalking, physical safety
issues and that the mental health impacts of online abuse, harassment and other traumatic experiences were significant.

In response to these specific points, Women in Journalism will be hosting a suite of training sessions to address some of the key issues raised by participants.