{"id":613674,"date":"2021-02-11T09:08:49","date_gmt":"2021-02-11T14:08:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.steelcase.com\/?p=613674"},"modified":"2023-01-14T00:33:38","modified_gmt":"2023-01-14T05:33:38","slug":"taking-care-healthcare-workers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.steelcase.com\/research\/articles\/topics\/healthcare\/taking-care-healthcare-workers\/","title":{"rendered":"Taking Care of Healthcare Workers"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s a troubling paradox: The wellbeing of healthcare workers \u2014 whose jobs are centered on taking good care of others \u2014 is all too often overlooked in their own work environments.<\/p>\n

Compared to people in other professions, those who work in healthcare disproportionately experience exhaustion, dissatisfaction, depression and burnout. In addition to the stressors of work that\u2019s physically, emotionally and mentally demanding, in recent years there\u2019s been the added challenge of adapting to new procedures and requirements, notably the changeover to electronic medical records and regulatory changes.<\/p>\n

Now COVID-19 has exacerbated and put an impossible-to-ignore spotlight on the burdens that healthcare workers routinely face, report Steelcase Health researchers Jordan Smith and Seth Starner. There\u2019s widespread awareness that the wellbeing of many healthcare workers is impaired, and strong momentum is building among their employers to make changes that can build a new culture of wellbeing within their organizations.<\/p>\n

Some organizations already have a head start. Beginning in 2014, the healthcare profession actively addressed clinician wellbeing as the Quadruple Aim began to replace the widely recognized Triple Aim framework. This happened in response to a mounting realization that the original three aims \u2014 enhancing the patient experience, reducing costs and improving population health \u2014 simply couldn\u2019t be achieved without also improving the work life of healthcare workers.<\/p>\n

Setting New Priorities<\/h2>\n

So far, as healthcare organizations have begun to address the issue of staff wellbeing, \u201ca lot of emphasis has been placed on the individual \u2014 more education and training, developing more resilience skills,\u201d reports Smith. \u201cAnd, certainly, that\u2019s part of the answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, placing too much responsibility on the individual for their personal wellbeing \u2014 essentially telling them to \u201cgo fix yourself\u201d \u2014 is simplistic, and can even be off-putting, says Smith.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn reality, clinician wellbeing is multifactorial. One well documented factor contributing to clinician burnout is the need for leadership to understand and appreciate the clinician experience,\u201d explains Starner. Yes, wellbeing involves personal resilience. But leading organizations recognize that it also depends on having the right work practices and strongly committed leadership that puts a priority on providing the necessary infrastructure and resources to steer their culture in a new, healthier direction.<\/p>\n

One breakthrough opportunity that\u2019s finally gaining traction is recognizing healthcare workers\u2019 need for on-the-job respite \u2014 communicating that taking a break is not only acceptable, it\u2019s actually important and expected.<\/p>\n

Transforming make-do, run-of-the-mill breakrooms into thoughtfully designed respite spaces takes that message beyond words, making it tangible and much more achievable. \u201cSpace is a way to demonstrate respect,\u201d Smith emphasizes. \u201cAn inviting, accessible respite space that meets a range of clinicians\u2019 needs sends a message that we value you and want to make sure that you are able to function at your very best.\u201d<\/p>\n

Designing for Respite<\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019re adapting an existing space or creating a brand-new respite setting, consider these design principles to ensure you\u2019re providing a space that offers the affordances that healthcare workers really want and need.<\/p>\n

\"setting
Biophilia is an evidence-based way to reduce stress and promote a sense of comfort and calm. When possible, include plants, nature-inspired art, views to the outdoors and exposure to natural light when designing respite spaces.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n