The QliqMINUTE: How Can Healthcare Leaders Improve Work-Life Balance for Their Teams During The Pandemic?

It's no secret that clinician burnout has been at an all-time high since the pandemic began. However, new survey findings suggest that improving work-life balance could significantly help improve employee job satisfaction. According to the Medscape 2022 Physician Lifestyle and Happiness Report, 55% of physicians would take a pay cut for a better work-life balance. We spoke with Michelle Troseth, MSN, RN, FNAP, FAAN to learn more. 

Troseth explained that the best place for leaders to start is with themselves. "Prioritize your work-life balance first. If you aren't healthy and balanced, your team will be at risk. Just like the airline industry has modeled, you need to put your oxygen mask on first, so you can serve others at work and home."

She shared that another critical component of promoting a healthy work-life balance is encouraging boundary setting. "Many are being asked to go the extra mile; team members also need to be reminded to be aware of early warnings that they are giving too much to work. Work and home are interdependent, and if there is too much focus on work, burnout is 100% predictable," said Troseth.

Troseth also explained that providing support is time-sensitive, and leaders should address work-life balance before employees get burnout. "Don't wait to support your teams until it is too late. We know healthcare leadership teams, and their staff are feeling like they are drowning, just "barely keeping my head above water" is often heard these days. The best strategy is to throw someone a life ring before they drown, " shared Troseth.