No matter the field, burnout can hit anyone, anytime, anywhere, and healthcare professionals are no exception. While healthcare can be a highly satisfying career that allows you to help others directly, it can also be a fast-paced and stressful environment. It’s important to remember this while watching out for your healthcare workers to identify and combat burnout quickly. Highlighting your organization’s benefits and solutions for mental health and wellness can be a valuable tool for recruitment. So here are several ways you can support your employees and empower them to prevent and manage burnout!
- Recognize the symptoms of burnout.
The first step to combating burnout is knowing what to look out for! Job burnout is directly linked to stress, exhaustion, and lack of motivation, and it can manifest in numerous ways. Here are some major symptoms of job burnout to look out for:
- Feeling exhausted
- Lacking motivation, especially in the workplace
- Experiencing depersonalization and cynicism
- Struggling to stay focused, patient, and efficient
- Feelings of loneliness
- Developing a strong dislike of your work and workplace
- Feeling a lack of satisfaction from the work you do
- Having self-doubts about your skills and work
- Problems sleeping
- Physical symptoms like headaches and migraines, stomach problems, and/or aches and sores
Keep in mind that no two people experience burnout the same way. Everyone experiences stress differently, under differing circumstances, and reacts to it in their own way. Despite these differences, there are some universal ways you can help take care of your employees and continue to improve your work environment!
- Encourage honesty and openness.
The first step to a healthy connection with your workers is being open and non-judgmental. Be sure they can be comfortable coming to you, or each other, about any issues, ideas, or needs. Cultivating open communication and integrity bolsters the trust within your company and greatly improves the working environment.
Be sure to go a step further, and work alongside your workers to help them break down and solve any issues or concerns they may have. Actively reach out to them. Talk through anything they have in mind. Offer help and actively work to figure out solutions alongside them. Be sure to stick with them the whole way.
- Prioritize human connection.
As you keep yourself open to address any issues, be sure to support and engage in positive interactions as well. Whether you’re working from home or in an office, the value of face-to-face communication cannot be overstated. Be sure to take time to engage with your employees one-on-one, as human interconnectivity is vital to not only productivity but to improved mental health as well.
Here are some ways you can encourage stronger interactions between your peers:
- Host company parties.
- Have sem-frequent check-ins.
- Go out of your way to start and maintain conversations, not just related to work.
- Have an open-door policy.
- Support their mental health.
Offering friendly interactions and emotional support is vital, but there are times when professionals like therapists and counselors will be needed. It’s important to keep an open mind and let others know that it’s okay to seek help. Consider providing mental health facilities and resources in the workplace.
Inform your workers about any mental health resources they can take advantage of, such as nearby mental health facilities or helplines. Encourage them to put themselves first, and accommodate anything they may need to accomplish this. Create an environment that they can relax in! Curate break rooms with snacks, soft couches, and welcoming decor—a space where they know they can destress in between work. But above all, make sure they know that their voices are heard, that they are appreciated, and that they know you’re here to help them in any way you can.
- Give them meaningful work.
You can look to prevent burnout before it hits by checking in with employees and their work, and reaching out to gauge their satisfaction. Addressing potential sources of stress before they become a problem is always the best way to go!
Here are some ways you can help ensure your employees find meaning and fulfillment in their work:
- Accommodate flexible schedules.
- Pair them up with employees you know they work well with.
- Don’t overload them.
- Be clear on what you expect from them and what sort of work they will be doing.
- Be open to any concerns or changes they may have.
- Give them work you know they’re good at or that they enjoy.
Always be on the lookout for further ways to support your employees!
A positive work environment, strong relationships, and a policy of trust and honesty are the best ways you can help combat burnout in your healthcare company. When we care for those who care for others, then we truly care for all.
Want to find out even more about how to continue improving your workplace environment? Contact us today and subscribe to our emails to learn more about how we can help!
