What: Corporate boards face increasing burnout risks as they navigate multiple disruptions while providing enhanced strategic guidance to management.

Why it is important: As retail undergoes rapid transformation, maintaining effective board oversight and preventing director burnout is crucial for ensuring sound governance and successful business adaptation.

The current business landscape presents significant challenges for corporate board members, who are dealing with unprecedented levels of disruption while facing increased demands on their time and expertise. Directors are now spending nearly 90 hours annually in board meetings alone, up from 70-80 hours pre-pandemic, while simultaneously managing multiple board commitments. The pressure comes from various sources: guiding companies through economic uncertainty, monitoring geopolitical risks, adapting to new regulations, and addressing emerging issues like DEI and sustainability. To prevent burnout and maintain effective governance, boards are implementing strategic time management, leveraging technology for immediate problem-solving, and developing frameworks for future decision-making. The emphasis on director well-being and mutual support through regular check-ins reflects the recognition that board effectiveness directly impacts corporate success.

IADS Notes: According to our database, retail boards are experiencing significant transformation in their governance approaches. In January 2025, research showed that constructive board disagreements have become essential for effective corporate oversight, particularly evident in cases like Macy's board restructuring. The retail sector has seen notable leadership changes, with our database showing that by October 2024, several major retailers underwent significant board and CEO transitions. This trend continued into early 2025, as companies like John Lewis eliminated their CEO role to streamline decision-making, demonstrating how boards are adapting their structures to manage increasing complexities while maintaining effective oversight.

Board burnout is a major risk to all companies— Here’s how they can protect their top directors