Dr Richard Dune

26-05-2024

Employee burnout: The hidden epidemic in health and social care sector

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Understanding the crisis: Recognising and addressing employee burnout in health and social care

Employee burnout, defined by the World Health Organisation as "a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”, is a crisis afflicting health and social care services across the globe. Characterised by feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy, burnout affects both leaders and employees, becoming a significant driver of the talent shortage and presenting a costly challenge for the sector.

In this blog, Dr Richard Dune discusses this topical issue and provides practical tips for health and social care managers to deal with workplace burnout.

Prevalence of workplace burnout

In 2022, an estimated 100 million employees worldwide left their jobs, a large proportion due to burnout. In the United States alone, 50.5 million employees quit their jobs.

The UK's health and social care sector has been under immense pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the inherent stresses associated with care roles.

According to Mental Health UK, 46% of UK workers feel 'more prone to extreme levels of stress' compared with a year ago (March 2020), while only 15% feel 'less prone to extreme levels of stress'. Burnout is often misunderstood and stigmatised despite its prevalence, impacting employees' health and well-being and employers' productivity.

Understanding burnout and establishing a culture of empathy

Noémie Le Pertel's recent article in Harvard Business Review brings to light the challenge managers face when an employee opens up about burnout. She emphasises that the initial reaction should not be to dismiss or downplay concerns. Instead, it is crucial to treat burnout with seriousness and empathy.

Le Pertel proposes these three pivotal questions to discern between temporary stress and burnout:

• Do they feel competent?
• Do they feel emotionally exhausted?
• Do they experience physical symptoms?

These questions help provide insight into the employee's self-perception, emotional state, and work-related attitudes.

Identifying root causes and implementing solutions

Once a leader understands the employee's experience of burnout, the following steps involve identifying the root causes and implementing immediate and long-term solutions. These causes can originate from within the workplace, such as an imbalance between work demands and available resources, or outside work, like financial stress or caregiving responsibilities.

Immediate measures include delegating some of their workloads, renegotiating deadlines, or offering time off. Long-term strategies involve adjusting job responsibilities, providing flexibility in how and where they work, or investing in their personal and professional development.

Sustaining change over time

Addressing burnout is an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with the employee can help monitor progress, adjust strategies as required, and reaffirm your commitment to their well-being. By implementing these steps, leaders can establish an empathetic, supportive environment that effectively tackles burnout and fosters retention.

Benefits of addressing burnout

Addressing burnout can result in numerous benefits, from improved employee well-being and reduced turnover to increased productivity and job satisfaction. The quality of care provided can also improve, which is crucial for patient outcomes within the health and social care sector.

Conclusion and recommendations

Employee burnout is a hidden epidemic that can no longer be ignored, especially in the health and social care sector. Addressing this crisis requires empathy, understanding, proactive dialogue, and continuous engagement. It's not just about treating symptoms but about implementing systemic changes to tackle the root causes of burnout.

Health and social care leaders are encouraged to create an open dialogue about mental health and burnout, invest in regular training for managers, and implement systemic changes to promote a more empathetic and supportive work culture. Remember, a healthy team is a productive team. Let's work together to build a resilient, empathetic, and burnout-free health and social care sector.

At The Mandatory Training Group, we are dedicated to helping organisations foster a healthier and more resilient workforce. Through our CPD-accredited eLearning courses, we equip professionals with the skills to manage workplace challenges, adapt to new technologies, and enhance compliance.

Employee well-being is at the heart of organisational success, yet burnout remains a critical issue in the health and social care sector. With rising stress levels and increasing staff turnover, it is more important than ever to prioritise mental health and implement meaningful strategies to support employees.

Learn how ComplyPlus™ training courses equip health and social care professionals to identify and tackle workplace burnout effectively. Delve into the benefits of our accredited programs and see how we help foster a healthier, more sustainable workforce.

Visit our accreditation details on the CPD Certification Service website to learn more about our commitment to professional development and workplace well-being.

Every organisation faces distinct compliance needs, particularly when addressing issues like employee burnout in the health and social care sector. We’re here to assist you, whether you require industry-specific training or a tailored regulatory approach.

Key points to remember

These are the key points to remember from this article:

• Burnout is a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.
• It is characterised by feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy.
• Treating burnout with seriousness and empathy is crucial.
• Identifying the root causes and implementing appropriate solutions is essential.
• Regular check-ins and ongoing support are vital for sustained change.

Online resources for workplace well-being

Navigating workplace stress and mental health challenges can be daunting, but numerous online resources offer guidance and support. Here are some key organisations that provide valuable information on managing stress, promoting well-being, and preventing burnout:

• Mind - Mind is a mental health charity in the UK that offers a variety of resources and information on workplace well-being, stress management, and burnout prevention. Visit their website for guidance and tools.
• NHS Every Mind Matters - The NHS Every Mind Matters website provides resources and information on mental health, including tips for managing stress and improving well-being. Visit their website for practical advice.
• Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) - ACAS provides guidance and support for employers and employees, including resources on managing workplace stress and promoting well-being. Visit their website for information specific to workplace issues.
• Mental Health Foundation - The Mental Health Foundation offers resources and guides on mental health, including information on stress management and well-being in the workplace. Explore their website for valuable tools and tips.
• Work-related stress and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - The HSE website guides work-related stress and its impact on health and well-being. Visit their website for information and resources on managing workplace stress.
• Time to Change - Time to Change is a campaign to end mental health stigma. Their website offers resources and personal stories about mental health in the workplace. Visit their website for information and support.

Remember, these resources can provide valuable insights and guidance. Still, if you are experiencing severe burnout or mental health difficulties, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional or seek support from your employer's occupational health services.

Last updated on 06-02-2025

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