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REFLOW

A tool to help you assess your burnout risk

REFLOW is a test created especially for NGO employees. It helps you reflect on your burnout risk, recognize the signs of overload and better understand what weakens your well-being at work. The tool takes into account not only individual symptoms, but also systemic sources of burnout in the team, the organization and umbrella organizations as well as the relationships between them.

REFLOW TEST

About the initiative

Work on REFLOW began with the disapproval of the way burnout in NGOs has been described, measured and addressed so far: it was oversimplified, individualized and often detached from reality of work in civil society organizations.

REFLOW is a self-completion test – it helps you recognize the signs of overload, notice the patterns of functioning and relationships with the team, the organization and the work environment, and see when commitment turns into exhaustion.

The theoretical foundation of REFLOW is our own relational burnout model (RBM) – based on literature in the field, social research, psychological and sociological knowledge as well as psychotherapeutic practice and work in NGOs. We therefore focus not only on the individual’s state, but also on work culture, relationship dynamics, systemic overload and the impact of the broader sociopolitical context.

Upcoming Events

Free webinar coming up in April – we’ll discuss how REFLOW can be used by professionals in the third sector who work to support civil society and human rights, especially when constant pressure and stress are sapping their energy and passion.

April 29 at 3:00 PM CEST
From Surviving to Supported: A New Burnout Assessment Tool for Civil Society Professionals 

How the test was created and developed

  • 2019-2021

    International Burnout Aid project (co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme) in cooperation with Common Zone/Vox Feminae from Croatia and City of Women (Mesto žensk) from Slovenia: 

    • collecting data on burnout in Polish, Croatian and Slovenian NGOs: desk research and qualitative studies,
    • developing the method and constructing the test,
    • sharing the test online in four language versions (Polish, English, Croatian and Slovenian).
  • 2022-2024

    International Let it Work project (co-funded by Norway Grants) in cooperation with ILDI from Iceland:

    • using the test (e.g. as part of workshops, training, coaching, supervision) in the third sector.
  • 2023-2025

    Burnout Aid & Oxygen Consortium (co-funded by the Open Society Foundations) projects:

    • collection and analysis of quantitative data from testing and feedback on the structure, language and usefulness of the tool,
    • identification of differences between local and global needs,
    • extension of the theoretical basis – the relational burnout model (RBM),
    • sharing the FREE version of the REFLOW test in Polish and English.
       
  • 2025-2026

    International Mokuteki project (co-funded by Porticus) in cooperation with Araminta from Germany:

    • adapting the tool to various contexts (of Ukraine and Russian-speaking territories), translation of content,
    • sharing the FREE version of the test for third-sector employees in Ukrainian and Russian.
  • What next?
    • extension of the theoretical basis of the test for leaders (examining burnout in organizations as a whole),
    • extended PRO and PREMIUM versions of the test as well as the version for cultural institutions.

Concept and Delivery

Culture Shock Foundation
Since 2010, we have been strengthening the position of Polish and European civil society organizations and cultural institutions by enhancing efficiency in burnout prevention, the ethical use of technology, digital solutions, and leadership development. We also offer customized support through workshops, coaching, and self-assessment tools.
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Creators

Paulina Jędrzejewska
CEO, Flow Strategist, Culture Shock Foundation
Supports individuals, NGOs, social organizations, and cultural or creative institutions in adapting to rapid change. Since 2010, she has led the Culture Shock Foundation, combining culture, technology, research, and burnout prevention. As a coach, supervisor, mentor, and facilitator, she focuses on wellbeing and sustainable leadership, integrating insights from culture, identity, performance, neuroscience, and anthropology.
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Sylwia Żółkiewska
Head of Digital Solutions & Strategies, Culture Shock Foundation
Digital product strategist, designer, new media expert, doctor of fine arts. She co-creates tools that combine technology, knowledge, and real user needs, and develops digital platforms and ecosystems. She has extensive experience in designing websites, applications, games, and educational resources for the cultural, educational, and NGO sectors. She combines research, design, and social perspectives, ensuring that digital solutions are useful, accessible, sustainable, and ethical.
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Agata Gieryn
Psychotherapist, Psychologist & Group Trainer, Culture Shock Foundation
Certified Gestalt psychotherapist, psychologist, and group trainer. She specializes in the prevention of burnout among activists and those working in cultural institutions, offering individual support and leading support groups and development workshops. She conducts psychological consultations, support groups, and workshops.
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Urszula Engelmayer
Editor and author
Psychosocial skills trainer, mediator, and consultant working for NGOs and local government institutions. She specializes in conflict solving and interpersonal and social communication. Editor and author.
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Patrycja Żołędowska
Designer & UX Strategist
Strategist, designer, and UX lecturer at the SWPS University. She applies her skills and practical experience to the development of accessible digital products and services. She specializes in designing solutions based on a human-centered design approach, taking care of accessibility, usability, and positive user experience. In her work, she combines technological expertise with an empathetic approach to audience needs.
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Maciej Turczyniak
Software Developer
Archaeologist by education, programmer by passion and profession. For many years associated with non-governmental organizations in the field of culture. Enthusiast of Open Source ideas. In between programming, he deals with digital retouching and preparing photos for print.
Karolina Pluta
Trainer & Coach, Culture Shock Foundation
Trainer, expert in supporting cultural professionals, coach, theatre pedagogue, and socially engaged artist. She runs workshops, creative processes, and individual sessions. She is experienced in burnout prevention, mediation within cultural institution teams, and implementation of social and artistic projects. Member of the Theatre Pedagogues’ Association and the Culture Shock Foundation. Author of publications, research, and recommendations for institutions and NGOs. In her work, she combines education with art and uses diverse tools, including working on the body, impro, NVC, and creative writing.
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Gabriela Chyłkowska
Junior Content Specialist, Culture Shock Foundation
She creates, edits, optimises, and publishes digital content as a Junior Content Specialist. Student of Journalism and Social Communication at the SWPS University. She is passionate about backpacking, culture, pop culture, and literature.
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Milena Górczyńska
Translator & Editor of English-language Content
She translates content for the Foundation’s websites from Polish to English. Fifth-year student of Applied Linguistics (English + German) at the University of Warsaw. Avid language learner – she is also fluent in Spanish. She is passionate about music, literature, the cultures of German- and Spanish-speaking countries, and pop culture.
Kateryna Shukh
Psychologist, coach, and trauma-informed specialist, Culture Shock Foundation
Psychologist, coach, and trauma-informed specialist with more than 10 years of experience in the humanitarian sector. She supports leaders and aid sector professionals through crisis, covering both prevention and regeneration. She works at the intersection of psychotraumatology, coaching, and art therapy.

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