Staff shortages and stressful working environments have caused burnout for many clinicians and non-clinical staff in the last few years. But healthcare isn’t the only industry facing significant negative emotions when it comes to “work.” A 2022 Gallup poll reported 60% of people say they are emotionally detached from work and more than half are looking for a new job.
A resounding 19% of the respondents say their work is “miserable,” but it doesn’t have to be.
“My most exciting challenge is to make my work, and the work of those around me, fun again,” said Peter Banko, region president of CommonSpirit Health. He went on to note, “Work can become unpleasant, boring, arduous, annoying and even miserable. We seek out work that fits our natural abilities and the things we do best. Our work gets rewarded for the skills we have keenly sharpened. That, then, gets us caught in the upward pull for bigger, better and more.”
Increasing employee engagement is essential to avoid turnover and optimize teams. Employees are looking for new challenges and ways they can contribute to the overall success of the organization. Healthcare is a calling, Mr. Banko said, and is very serious work; but the stress shouldn’t exceed the joy of connecting with patients and having a meaningful impact on individuals and communities.
“I am ringing in 2024 with a reinvigorated sense of meaning in my work,” said Mr. Banko. “With positivity, gratitude and learning. Connecting with my co-works to help them see their own bigger picture and find their own greater purpose again.”
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