U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory on addressing health worker burnout on May 23, 2022.
 
“Workplace systems cause burnout among health workers,” according to the advisory. “There are a range of societal, cultural, structural, and organizational factors that contribute to burnout among health workers. Some examples include: excessive workloads, administrative burdens, limited say in scheduling and lack of organizational support.”
 
The advisory offers a list of action items employers can take to support workers:
  • Build a commitment to the health and safety of health workers into the fabric of health organizations.
  • Review and revise policies to ensure health workers are not deterred from seeking appropriate care for their physical health, mental health and/or substance use challenges.
  • Increase access to high-quality, confidential mental health and substance use care for all health workers.
  • Rebuild community and social connection among health workers to mitigate burnout and feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • Combat bias, racism and discrimination in the workplace.
  • Invest in health prevention and social services to address health inequities.
Read the advisory at https://bit.ly/3M3kHWL.