Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. This can happen to anyone, at any time, but particularly healthcare IT professionals who are constantly under pressure to keep up with the rapidly changing medical technology landscape.
As a manager or team leader in the healthcare IT industry, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs of burnout within your team. In this article, we’ll discuss how to spot these signs and offer some tips on how to fix burnout in your healthcare IT team.
What is burnout?
Burnout can manifest in a variety of ways, including feeling overwhelmed, constantly fatigued, and lacking motivation or interest in work. It can also lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and trouble sleeping. Burnout not only affects the individual experiencing it but also has a significant impact on their team and organization.
What causes burnout?
There are various factors that can contribute to burnout. A survey of IT pros and hiring managers across the US found that the leading causes were heavy workloads (57%), lack of support from management (32%), lack of resources to perform job duties (31%), and increased commuting over the past year (31%).
These factors are all too common in the healthcare IT industry where technology is rapidly advancing and demands on professionals are constantly increasing. There is a pressure to constantly perform and when clinicians rely on technology to treat patients, lives can be at risk if the IT pros do not do their job properly at all times.
Why is burnout a problem for businesses?
When healthcare IT professionals experience burnout, they may become less productive and make more mistakes, leading to project delays and potential negative outcomes for patients.
Burnout can also lead to high turnover rates, which can be costly for the organization in terms of time and resources spent on recruitment and training. According to a study, of IT professionals who report high levels of burnout, 42% are considering quitting their company within the next six months. So watch out!
Separate research shows companies are not doing enough to minimize burnout with nearly 70% of professionals feel their employers are not stepping up to support.
Why is burnout so common in the IT industry?
Burnout in the IT industry is a significant concern, with multiple contributing factors ranging from individual workplace experiences to industry-wide pressures.
Key reasons for burnout in the IT industry include:
- Poor leadership
While we’re not suggesting you are the problem – after all, you’re reading this article – there is research to suggest that inadequate management practices can leave employees feeling undervalued and unsupported, leading to stress and eventual burnout.
- Work overload
Intense project deadlines and high expectations frequently result in long hours and a heavy workload, which can be unsustainable in the long run. This has been exacerbated by the aftermath of COVID-19 and mass tech layoffs, increasing the workload on remaining staff as suggested by CIO.
- Toxic culture
An environment that lacks support, encourages cutthroat competition, or tolerates harassment can contribute to an employee’s burnout.
- Lack of career growth
It has notoriously difficult to manage performance in IT as so many of the tasks relate to trouble shooting rather than meeting targets. And so, insufficient opportunities for professional advancement can lead to frustration and a sense of stagnation.
- Emotional exhaustion
Prolonged periods of intense focus and caring about work without adequate breaks can deplete a person’s emotional reserves.
- Lack of recognition
As mentioned above, if you can’t measure performance, you might miss the outstanding effort. When good work goes unrecognized, employees may feel their effort is futile, leading to decreased morale and motivation.
- Dysfunctional workplace dynamics
Bad management practices, unclear job expectations, and strained co-worker relationships can create a stressful office environment.
- Poor work-life balance
The high-pressure, fast-paced work common in tech industries can encroach on personal time, making it difficult to recover from work stress.
Warning signs of burnout
Recognizing the warning signs of burnout is critical in taking proactive steps to prevent a full-blown crisis on your team. These warning signs may present subtly at first but can escalate quickly if unnoticed or unaddressed. As a leader, being able to identify and understand these symptoms can pave the way for effective intervention. Let’s delve into the most common indicators that your healthcare IT professionals may be experiencing burnout.
Increased absenteeism or tardiness
If you notice that your team members are consistently showing up late for work, calling in sick more often than usual or taking longer breaks, it could be a sign of burnout. This is because burnout can cause physical exhaustion, making it harder for employees to maintain their usual work schedule.
Decreased productivity
Burnout can also affect work productivity. If you notice that your team members are not meeting deadlines, producing poor quality work or getting easily distracted, it may be a sign of burnout. When employees are burnt out, they often experience mental fatigue and find it difficult to focus.
Lack of motivation
Burnout can also result in a lack of enthusiasm and motivation towards work. Your team members may seem disengaged, uninterested or even apathetic. This can be a warning sign that they are experiencing emotional exhaustion due to burnout.
Irritability and mood swings
When employees experience burnout, they can become more irritable and have frequent mood swings. This is because burnout can often cause emotional exhaustion, making it hard for individuals to regulate their emotions.
Increased isolation
Burnout can also lead to social withdrawal. If you notice that a team member who used to be sociable and friendly is now isolating themselves from the rest of the team, it may be a sign of burnout. This could also manifest in avoiding team activities or not participating in discussions and meetings.
Emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion
Burnout is characterized by the feeling of being physically, emotionally, and mentally drained. If your team members express that they are constantly tired, overwhelmed or feel like they have nothing left to give at work, it’s a major warning sign of burnout.
Health problems
Chronic stress caused by burnout can also lead to numerous health issues such as headaches, digestive problems, and even more serious conditions like heart disease. If your team members are constantly falling sick or complaining of physical discomfort, it could be a result of burnout.
Complaining and poor client interaction
An increase in negative attitudes towards coworkers can be a red flag. If employees start complaining frequently about their job or stakeholders, it may be a sign of burnout. This could also manifest in poor client interactions, which can damage the reputation and performance of your healthcare IT team.
How to fix burnout in your healthcare IT team
Addressing burnout requires systemic change, both at the organizational level and within the wider industry, to ensure sustainable working conditions and facilitate employee well-being however there are some things you can do to support your colleagues and alleviate the pressure.
Encourage work-life balance
Promote a healthy work-life balance by encouraging team members to take regular breaks, use their vacation time, and prioritize their physical and mental well-being. This can be difficult in IT, particularly with such large volumes of work , but it’s important to remind team members that their health and happiness should come first.
Increase their capacity with extra support
If your team members are struggling to cope with their workload, consider providing them with additional resources or support. This could involve outsourcing some tasks or hiring new team members to share the workload and reduce stress. You could also bring in a consultant to help.
Encourage open communication
Create an environment where team members feel comfortable discussing any issues or concerns they may have. This will help you identify and address potential burnout before it becomes a bigger problem. Conduct regular check-ins with your team members to discuss their workload, stress levels and overall well-being.
Provide training opportunities
Investing in the professional growth of your team members can boost their morale and motivation. Consider offering training programs or opportunities for personal development to help them expand their skills and knowledge. This will also help them to find challenging tasks easier to complete.
Lead by example
As a leader, it’s important to prioritize your own well-being and set an example for your team. Make sure you take breaks, leave work at a reasonable hour, and practice self-care. This will show your team that it’s okay to prioritize their own health and happiness.
Workload management
Evaluate and adjust workloads to ensure they are sustainable. This could mean redistributing tasks, setting realistic deadlines and providing the necessary resources for your team to succeed.
Recognition and appreciation
Recognize and appreciate your team members’ hard work and accomplishments. Feeling appreciated can boost morale and motivation, helping to combat burnout. Perhaps invest some time in establishing a performance management program that will work for your team and their roles.
Wellness programs
Consider implementing wellness programs such as yoga, meditation or mindfulness workshops to help your team members manage stress and promote overall well-being. These programs can also serve as team-building activities, fostering a positive and supportive work culture.
Seek professional help
If an employee is experiencing severe burnout, it may be necessary to seek professional help. Consider providing access to counseling services or mental health resources for your team members to utilize when needed.
The long road to recovery
It’s important to remember that recovering from burnout takes time. Be patient with your team members and provide ongoing support and resources to help them through the recovery process. Unfortunately there is no quick fix for this but the sooner you identify the signs and take action, the easier it will be to resolve.
Together, we can combat burnout and create a happier and more resilient team for you. So let’s take care of ourselves and each other, because when we are healthy and happy, we can provide the best possible care for our clients and patients as well.