How are you feeling right now? Exhausted? Stressed? Maybe even “down” or depressed?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for everyone’s emotional wellness, regardless of age, race/ethnicity, or occupation. But for healthcare workers (HCWs)--who represent the frontline of the fight--the pandemic has exacerbated already high levels of staffing shortages, stress, and rates of burnout. In fact, 30% of HCWs reported in March that they have considered leaving their profession because of the pandemic. HCWs need our attention and support to recover from the ongoing emotional toll of COVID-19.
Burnout involves three different emotional states that can have negative impacts on an employee, their co-workers, and an organization as a whole:
emotional exhaustion,
feeling utterly drained by work depersonalization, feeling detached or negative toward others
reduced personal accomplishment, feeling less competent or successful at work
Happily, there are many interventions and daily supports that employers can consider to address HCW burnout and mental health. As just one example, incorporating time for a 15-minute end-of-shift huddle can provide staff with an opportunity to debrief, gain emotional support by hearing others’ experiences, and guide a more positive transition from work to home. Long-term, this could decrease absenteeism, improve organizational climate, and reduce staff turnover.
For more strategies like this, feel free to contact Tana Luger Motyka at tmotyka@covenanthealthnetwork.org.