The Problem With Occupational Stress in Healthcare

As rewarding as a job within healthcare is, it also comes with personal side-effects that are not often publicly brought up. Occupational stress has been a long-time concern of those who are in involved in the healthcare industry. Multiple studies have shown that those who are involved in the healthcare industry face higher rates of substance abuse and suicide, along with higher rates of depression and anxiety- all of which are linked to workplace stress. Burnout and reduced patient satisfaction are also increasing outcomes, all of which are negative towards workers and patients.

It’s important that workers take care of themselves. As they are people who give back to the community by treating healthcare problems, it’s vital that their own personal health is also properly taken care of. Stress can be controlled and managed in various different ways, some of which I will discussing in further detail today.

Eliminating Stressors:
The most effective way to reduce occupational stress it to limit the stressors that are present. This includes taking consideration of the following things:

1. Making sure that the workload is in line with your (and other workers’) capabilities and resources at the time
→ Knowing that you are able to complete both your role and the task at hand fairly well reduces stress immensely. Often, those who work in the healthcare field work long hours in high-pressure situations.

2. Being given opportunities to participate in decisions and actions affecting your job
→ It’s important that you have a say in what you do, as it is your career. Decisions & actions affecting your job should always have your input and opinion taken into consideration.

3. Improving communication within the workplace
→ Good communication is vital in any scenario; it lowers stress and leaves workers feeling more secure.

4. Providing and being provided opportunities for social interaction with workers
→ A job in healthcare can sometimes be isolating and lonely (as it’s definitely not like the fun drama people see on shows such as Grey’s Anatomy or Scrubs), so it’s really important that social interaction between workers happens daily, as it provides a mental break and a relief from the stress, and it really helps to talk to someone who knows exactly what the job is like.

These things are all simple, but really do make a difference when applied. It improves the overall atmosphere, efficiency, and personal well-being of everyone.

Despite what your situation at work may be, remember that the healthcare community always has your back.

About The Author:

I’m a grade 10 student from Richmond Hill, Ontario. I wrote this as a healthcare journalist for Clinalleve, which serves passionate pharmacy students and pharmacists with service-driven pharmacies.

You can check out my Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012346549330

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