Did you know that burnout and mental health problems are on the rise amongst public sector employees? Stress and burnout are a common factor seen in employees in the public sector, surprisingly the risk of stress-related illnesses in the public sector surpasses that of the private sector. The working environment of public sector differs from private sector as the management objectives, job types and organizational structures are different. Public sectors are directed to serve society and their citizens and staff have a higher liability to conflict positions among different stakeholders. Also, public sector organizations function in a more bureaucratic style, versus private sectors that are profit-oriented and are competitive in changing market environment.
However, there is enough evidence that states there are many public sectors who have not implemented a well-developed prevention strategy for their employees to reduce and prevent burnout among their employees. It is important to see that on an organization level; the effects of burnout can be shocking. It is of high importance to understand and implement stress management and burnout prevention (Vella, & McIver, 2019).
What can public sector institutions find in burnout employees?
-Increase requests for time-off
-Back and neck pain
-Poor performance
-Disability claims
-Alcohol and drug use
-Acute medical conditions such as strokes and heart attacks
Burnout cost public sector entities all over the work billion in health claims, loss of productivity and absenteeism.
How can organizations help and target burnout?
-Stress management and burnout prevention strategies
-Promote a positive work culture
-Effectively manage the return-to-work process and reintegrate employees who have taken a long absence
It is important to target the burnout, the goal for organizations should be to have healthier employees and reduce levels of sickness absence. Also, it will improve the overall performance and motivate employees.
(Vella, & McIver, 2019).
Policies associated with burnout in Mental Healthcare staff
The AzNA supports and is promoting the bill HB2538 that would increase protection for nurses assaulted in the work place. Assault on nurse is a high priority and is taking a stand in this legislative session. The HB2538 if passed, would require employers to implement policies related to assaults on healthcare workers, including nurses. It also focuses on increasing the minimum penalty for assaults on healthcare works resulting in injury from class 6 to class 5 felony. This is an important bill that needs YOUR attention as assault leads to burnout and it has a negative impact on the psychological and physical well-being of the healthcare staff. It also affects job motivation and in turn it compromises the quality of care provide for the patients and it puts health-care provision at a high risk. It is also a tremendous financial loss in the health sector.
How can YOU help? The AzNA has provided instructions, please read below:
Email your two (2) House representatives and ask them to vote YES on HB2538. Click this link for the list and e-mails of your representatives. Don’t know your Arizona legislative district? Find it here.
Subject Line:
Your Nurse Constituent Urges a YES vote on HB2538
Write the e-mail in your own words:
It doesn’t need to be long. Write from your experience and your heart. Make sure to include that you are a registered nurse and a constituent in their legislative district
This bill needs vocal support from Arizona’s nurses to move forward. Without the necessary 31 votes in the Arizona House of Representatives, this bill will not pass! Please take action and help pass this bill!
References:
Vella, E., & McIver, S. (2019). Reducing stress and burnout in the public‐sector work environment: A mindfulness meditation pilot study. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 30(2), 219-227.
Awareness for burnout in Mental Health Care workers 