The Human Resources Division of Khon Kaen University (KKU) organized an experiential learning workshop titled “Building Mental Empowerment to Combat Workplace Burnout” on 27 May 2026. Held at the Institute for Professional Development of Teachers for ASEAN on the 2nd floor, the project aimed to equip the university’s community with psychological immunity, revitalize positive energy, and enhance overall work efficiency. Associate Professor Pattarawit Polpinit, Ph.D., Vice President for Human Resources, presided over the opening ceremony, reflecting the executive administration’s commitment to prioritizing staff well-being.
This initiative serves as a practical implementation of the Khon Kaen University Administrative Strategic Plan (2025–2028), which focuses on Human Resource Management Transformation. The strategic overhaul is anchored on three main pillars: Strategy 3 (Fostering engagement and elevating personnel capacity to grow alongside the organization), Strategy 6 (Establishing Khon Kaen University as a “Best Place to Work”), and Strategy 7 (Developing the university into a “Great Place to Live”). These components directly influence staff happiness and provide a solid foundation for the university to achieve its broader institutional missions.
Associate Professor Polpinit underscored the core vision of the training program, stating that the workshop was not designed merely as a passive lecture series. Instead, its primary objective was to arm personnel with cognitive tools and the art of stress management. By developing these practical skills, staff members can effectively manage their mental well-being, achieve work-life balance, and cultivate internal resilience. This mental empowerment enables the university workforce to face institutional challenges with a positive mindset and return to their responsibilities with renewed happiness.
Recognizing that modern workplace pressures often lead to Burnout Syndrome, which compromises both physical and mental health, KKU views proactive staff care and a supportive work environment as vital metrics of organizational progress. The workshop functioned as a “safe space” for participants to explore their mental states and rediscover their purpose of work. Addressing emotional exhaustion helps restore confidence, determination, and enthusiasm among employees, which subsequently drives the university toward sustainable academic and operational excellence.
Departing from conventional academic lectures, the workshop utilized experiential learning methodologies across two main sub-sessions: “Building Mental Empowerment to Combat Workplace Burnout” and “Recharging Minds and Reigniting Passion for Work.” The program featured interactive group activities, situational simulations, stress-relief training, and sharing sessions. These activities were led by two expert speakers from the university:
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Dr. Chanita Pimsri, a faculty member from the Department of Psychology and Human Development, Faculty of Education, who used psychological frameworks to help participants trace the root causes of stress, practice emotional acceptance, and develop psychological resilience to navigate professional pressures.
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Warrant Officer Class 1 Worawut Sanprapha, Head of the Guidance and Scholarship Unit at the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Secondary Education Section, Mo Din Daeng), who leveraged professional counseling techniques and engaging activities to unlock participants’ hidden potential and reignite their professional passion.
This comprehensive approach to employee well-being directly reflects Khon Kaen University’s overarching strategy of sustainable organizational development. By investing in the mental health and happiness of its workforce, KKU is actively cultivating a resilient institutional ecosystem. These efforts ensure that the university’s human resources remain deeply engaged and highly motivated, establishing a healthy, supportive, and happy workplace culture that ultimately advances the university’s socioeconomic and educational contributions to society.
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