We are facing so many changes in chaotic times, especially in healthcare settings. These changes can create stress, anxiety, and a sense of uncertainty. When people are stressed, this can lead to turnover and disengagement in the workplace. In hospitals, the nursing turnover has almost tripled since the start of covid. Stress in the workplace affects productivity and costs US employers nearly $300 billion annually. Organizations must be aware of their employees’ well-being and understand the contributing factors to create a healthier workplace.

Direct Link to Turnover and Well-Being of the Department

Workplace well-being is key to identifying a department and its employees' long-term health. It’s essential for management to show caring and support for their team. This leadership action may sound very simple, yet the outcomes are profound. 

Healthcare organizations state they have support services, including Employee Assistance Programs, counseling, reimbursement for mental health services, and more. Yet, over 70% of nurses surveyed said that they do not feel emotionally supported in their organization or department. 

Team members need to believe that management and their workplace organization have a genuine concern for their health and well-being. I believe if team members do not feel their personal needs or concerns are a priority, then there is a greater risk for burnout and turnover. Support is often unavailable when the person is in crisis, such as during stressful events. These times of anxiety are the greatest need for supporting a team. Too often, the employee feels like they are just a body or a number to fill a staffing hole or vacancy. There are healthier options for workplace well-being.

Factors for Workplace Well-Being

Studies show leaders and employees can connect to create and foster a healthy work environment. Some ideas include: 

• A sense of belonging to the department/unit

• Health resources personalized to the individual

• A feeling of having value to the team

• A social support system within the team

• Support for healthy practices

• Providing tools to help the individual reduce stressors

A leader who promotes and supports the above activities will be able to attract and retain a healthy work team.

Quick Tips to Reduce Employee Turnover

People who work in stress-filled environments often struggle to have a work/life balance. They have challenges finding joy in their work that’s filled with chaos.

The leaders in these stressful areas are usually consumed with filling vacancies, managing conflicts, dealing with emergent situations, and more. There are solutions to calm the chaos and bring peace to the workplace.

There are many simple and quick tools to incorporate into your setting immediately to revitalize your team. Consider the following:

Relaxation Therapies - Visualize and Breathe in the Healing Light.

Breathwork has many benefits for calming the nervous system and supporting a healthy immune system. Remembering to breathe during stressful situations is extremely helpful. Add the breathwork with visualization of the healing light to deepen the relaxation experience and create a sense of peace. Guide the light through your body with your breath, bringing comfort, peace, and well-being.

Aromatherapy - Breathe in Essential Oils for Peace & Calm

Several essential oils have evidence for calming and balancing emotions which can be accomplished through inhalation. Consider using Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) with Orange oil (Citrus sinesis), one drop each on a tissue, to manage stress and aid focus. When feeling frantic, take a moment to breathe in this oil combination from your tissue. This practice is easy to use. Keep the aroma tissue in a pocket to inhale as needed. 

Gentle Movement Therapies - Stretching for Ease and Energy

Much research supports the practice of gentle exercise for energy and resilience in work settings. It’s well known that movement can bring energy, flexibility, and emotional balance. People may feel moving in the work setting to be challenging. Not so! When you feel the tension in your back or neck, consciously and gently stretch your arms and legs. Maybe do leg pumps or small spinal rolls to ease muscle tension and feel more energy.

The above tools are a few of the many options that can help renew and promote cohesiveness among team members. At the same time, when a leader supports healthy options for support and well-being, there is a genuine caring for others fostering team morale and connection.

This blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical, mental health, or healthcare advice.  Although Debra Reis is a Clinical Nurse Specialist licensed in the state of Michigan, she is not acting in that capacity here. Debra Reis is acting as a holistic educator and consultant, not as a licensed medical health professional or in her professional capacity as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose, treat, heal, cure or prevent any illness, medical condition, or mental or emotional condition. Working with us is not a guarantee of any results. Debra Reis, Wellness Services, LLC owns all copyrights to the materials presented here unless otherwise noted.