Addressing Employee Health Needs, Burnout, and Recognition: How Employers are Responding

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, employee expectations for their employers have significantly increased. This includes the work environment, corporate culture, benefits, mental health support, and work-life balance. Research conducted by the McKinsey Health Institute last year explored the factors affecting employee mental health and well-being.

Their survey, involving nearly 15,000 employees across 15 countries, revealed that four in five HR leaders worldwide prioritize mental health and well-being in their organizations. Healthcare organizations have been particularly impacted by the pandemic, with hospitals and health systems facing overwhelming patient loads and staff at high risk of exposure to Covid-19. The stress of daily operations, including EHR management, heavy workloads, and the rapid expansion of telehealth and testing, has contributed to high levels of burnout among healthcare employees.

Additionally, staffing and drug shortages have added to the challenges of addressing this issue. To promote a healthy environment for employees to thrive, companies in various industries have implemented wellness programs such as yoga, meditation apps, well-being days, time management strategies, and productivity tips. Hospitals are also exploring ways to automate tasks to allow healthcare staff to focus on more complex needs.

In a collaborative effort to combat burnout, the United Health Foundation (UNF) and the American Nurses Foundation (ANF) launched a three-year, $3.1 million Stress & Burnout Prevention Pilot program. This initiative aims to support healthcare professionals and prevent burnout through various resources and interventions.

The upcoming HLTH 2023 event at the Las Vegas Convention Center, scheduled for October 8-11, will focus on managing employee mental health, preventing burnout, and valuing employees. Panel discussions on these topics will take place on October 8 and 9. One of the sessions, titled "Running on Empty," will address the issue of burnout among healthcare workers and the impact it has on patient care.

The U.S. Surgeon General has urged hospitals to provide more mental health support and resources to address burnout effectively.

Another session, "Short on Staff, High on Tech," will explore the critical staffing shortages facing hospitals and nursing homes. With the forecasted shortage of healthcare professionals in the coming years, AI and automation technologies are being leveraged to streamline administrative tasks and bridge workforce gaps. The event will also feature a session called "Lean on Me: Employers Caring for Cancer," emphasizing the role of employers in supporting employees diagnosed with cancer.

Employers are providing resources, support, and time off to employees undergoing cancer treatment, recognizing the impact on mental health and overall well-being. Despite these positive initiatives, a report from the McKinsey Health Institute cautions that addressing toxic workplace behaviors is essential to reducing burnout and retaining employees. Organizations that fail to address such factors may experience absenteeism, lower engagement, and decreased productivity.

Preliminary data from the 2023 global survey by the McKinsey Health Institute suggests that employee health is closely linked to their work experiences. Creating supportive work environments can lead to better employee health, innovation, and job performance. Employers play a crucial role in fostering healthier workplaces and supporting employee well-being.

To participate in the discussions at the HLTH event in October, register now to join industry leaders and experts in addressing employee mental health, burnout prevention, and workforce challenges.