Regina Temple on Helping Healthcare Workers Today

The current state of the workforce is troubling, as employees face many challenges. The aging population, combined with the demanding nature of modern lifestyles, has resulted in a workforce that is not only physically exhausted but also mentally and emotionally drained. The added stress and anxiety caused by navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic has only served to compound these issues.

As a result, it is not surprising that employees feel cynical, overwhelmed, and dissatisfied with their jobs. Regina Temple notes these concerns must be addressed to prevent low morale from becoming entrenched in the workplace.

Overall success in healthcare organizations begins with a satisfied workforce. When employees are happy, they are more productive and more likely to provide quality care. They are less likely to leave their jobs. It can save healthcare institutions significant amounts of funding in turnover costs. They are also more likely to provide positive customer service, which fuels credibility and reputation.

The Threats to Worker Stability

The healthcare industry is known as one of the most demanding industries for employees. With long hours, high stress levels, and constant change, burnout rates among all employees are alarmingly high. Regina Temple also notes that while the causes of burnout are varied, the effects can be disastrous.

Unhappy employees can and have cost the healthcare industry billions of dollars annually in errors, absenteeism, and lost productivity. Exhausted staff members not only cause serious quality issues and financial problems, but these worn-out workers also lose their ability to empathize with colleagues, patients, families, and themselves.

Compassion is vital, especially in healthcare, where workers often interact with patients and their families during difficult and emotional times. However, when healthcare professionals become disconnected from their work, Regina Temple says that they are less able to empathize with their patients, and their ability to show compassion rapidly diminishes. It can ultimately lead to communication breakdowns, missed opportunities for connection, and a poorer quality of care.

The Signs of Low Morale

The signs of burnout, disengagement, and low morale can manifest in several ways: emotionally, physically, and mentally. Here are some of the signs:

• Moodiness or irritability

• Negative or cynical attitude toward work

• Decreased productivity

• More accidents or errors

• Increased absenteeism or tardiness

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Increased health complaints

• Memory problems

• Withdrawal from work activities

• Chronic fatigue or exhaustion

• Disengagement with work tasks

• Isolation from co-workers

Creating a Happier and Healthier Work Environment

With health workers playing a pivotal role in keeping the healthcare system functional, it is essential to ensure that they work in an environment that promotes their well-being. Regina Temple has shared valuable insights into how hospitals can make that happen.

• Create a culture of wellness where workers feel supported and valued.

• Assess workloads and make sure they are reasonable and manageable.

• Give caregivers a sense of control, especially over their work.

• Provide employees with feedback regularly.

• Encourage staff to take breaks, especially during long hours.

• Offer opportunities for career growth and development.

• Make sure staff has adequate time and resources for quality training.

• Above all, offer, provide, and promote a healthy work-life balance.

Regina Temple as served in the healthcare community for over 30 years with experiences ranging from for-profit to not-for-profit organizations, unionized to non-unionized facilities, and acute care settings to outpatient centers. Read more of her insights on healthcare and leadership by subscribing to this page