Ten Quick Tips to Improve Staff Well-being
May 24, 2022
- Create a comfortable work environment. Have a comfortable space for staff to use in downtime. Do what you can to make the space feel inviting and relaxing.
- Mental health should be a team priority. This creates an environment that reduces burnout, reduces secondhand stress and promotes resilience. Create a safe space for people to be able to share issues and work together to resolve them. Also, make sure people know about the availability of resources, such as EAP programs.
- Show appreciation for patients and staff. Expressing gratitude shifts a negative atmosphere into a positive one, produces a positive atmosphere, increases the likelihood of future support/effort and decreases levels of conflict. Even when resources are few, a sincerely thankful attitude can make a big difference.
- Enable a supportive team culture. Clearly communicate needs with co-workers, whether instrumental, emotional or otherwise.
- Delivering adequate resourcing for high-quality patient care. Do your best to advocate for and make sure everyone has everything they need to do the best work possible.
- Take all contact precautions seriously. Don’t sacrifice safety for speed – YOU are in short supply!
- Prioritize and focus on one thing at a time. Do what needs to be done based on your clinical experience and team needs.
- Know your limits and set healthy boundaries. Consider where your boundaries lie – energy-wise, emotional boundaries, knowledge – overextension leads to burnout.
- Lean on each other’s strengths. Everyone in a team has unique strengths – humor, empathy, communication, etc. – use them and rely on each other!
- Take care of yourself. Request help when you need it. Use your days off to recharge, get adequate sleep, and relax.