Long shifts, irregular hours, demanding clinical decisions and ethical considerations, complex administrative, legal, and compliance challenges … this is just a snapshot of the stressors healthcare workers face on a day-to-day basis. At the same time, staffing shortages continue to plague the industry, further contributing to job-related frustration, unhappiness, and burnout.
It’s no wonder that a 2020 Mental Health America survey reported that 93 percent of health professionals felt they were being stressed too thin, while 82 percent said they felt emotionally and physically exhausted. Although these study results pertain to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately, the stressors are still very real—and it’s up to employers to help their team members address related mental health issues.
Preventative Strategies
Be aware of steps you can take to identify the risk factors for mental illness early on and prevent its onset or take other actionable measures at the earliest possible point.
- Measure stress at your workplace. Tools such as the Mayo Clinic Well-Being Index cannot only measure stress levels at your organization but also offer access to helpful local and national resources.
- Offer flexibility for greater work/life balance. When possible, allow flexible hours and encourage employees to use their PTO. Discourage excessive overtime. Allow for regular breaks during shifts and designate quiet areas for relaxation and decompression.
Responsive Interventions
Along with strategies for prevention, intervention steps are in place to avert mental health crises and keep everyone healthy and safe.
- Intervention tools come in many forms. They include digital platforms such as websites and mobile apps, as well as emergency telephone hotlines, counseling and referrals, and peer support programs.
Ongoing Support
Cultivate a supportive culture and work environment based on removing stigmas around mental health, open communication, and ongoing feedback. Foster human resilience. In doing so, you can improve employees’ mental and physical health, reduce total care costs, and enhance morale, retention, and productivity.
- Keep awareness levels high. With increased awareness comes acceptance. Mental health is no different than physical health when it comes to the need for acknowledgment and proper care and treatment. Challenge stigmas with ongoing communication around mental health issues and available support. Start this during employee onboarding and continue it on a regular basis. Utilize all available internal communication and social platforms and provide continuing education.
As you support your staff in their career, wellness, and lifestyle needs – including resources to prevent, treat, and support those impacted by mental illness – let AlliedUP Co-Op support you in building your winning healthcare team. In California and across the country, let us be your source for the best allied, nursing, and other professionals you need to fill your most critical openings. Contact us today to learn more.