Burnout can affect anyone in healthcare. From nurses handling all manner of patient care to physicians with overflowing patient loads, the stress of tough working conditions can become almost unbearable. Even those at the top can experience intense frustration and exhaustion from managing all the day-to-day concerns required to keep the organization successful.
When healthcare leaders face high levels of burnout, it often leads to increased turnover, not just among executives, but across all organizational levels as the root causes go unresolved. After all, the quality of leadership coming from the executives has the power to impact all members of the staff and, in turn, patient outcomes.
To prevent such detrimental circumstances, more needs to be done to address burnout affecting those at the top. That way, these executives are able to work towards more effective decision making and taking on the many challenges facing healthcare systems today. When leadership teams feel well-positioned, it can go a long way in creating resilient organizations in these challenging times.
One approach to reducing executive burnout is to implement several wellness initiatives for all the staff. From mental health resources aimed to help reduce stress to free counseling services for those struggling to cope, such programs can be instrumental for those experiencing burnout. That includes executives. As such, leaders should encourage involvement and set the tone for their teams by participating themselves.
Infographic Provided By healthcare executive recruiters, HCT HealthcareAnother approach is to implement confidential executive coaching for leaders who are having difficulty. Whether due to staffing shortages or tension from meeting financial goals, the factors leading to burnout can create pressure which only seems to grow. When provided with a guiding hand, stressed out leaders are able to regain focus and achieve resiliency of their own.
Lastly, healthcare organizations are urged to partner with outside resources to support their executive staff members. A great way to do so is to utilize an interim staffing organization specializing in leadership roles, both in short- and long-term situations. When unable to take leave from their positions, executives cannot effectively recharge from the stressors at work. By outsourcing staffing for leadership positions, it provides respite and a chance to live up to mounting expectations.
Healthcare systems of all sizes and scopes need to implement change and invest in additional resources to cope with the unprecedented demands they face. If you’re interested in learning more about the impact of executive burnout and how to address it, please see the accompanying resource from HCT Healthcare.
Factors Affecting Burnout Among Healthcare Leaders
Stress and burnout a growing concern for healthcare leaders
Healthcare Executive Burnout Survey