Employers such as Spring Health, Avia and Paycom are finding innovative ways to combat burnout and make the workplace more appealing. Spring Health focuses on in-person events and flexible work structures, Avia has introduced foster cats to the office to improve team dynamics and Paycom has redesigned its headquarters to include cafes, soundproof privacy areas, a courtyard and a fitness center. "In today's world of hybrid work, the rise of loneliness is real, and organizations must be thoughtful about how to compensate for it," says Karishma Patel Buford, Spring Health's chief people officer.
More people are taking leaves from work for mental health reasons, despite concerns about stigma and career impact. The Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees at larger organizations to take up to 12 weeks of leave for serious health conditions, and some employers offer short-term disability plans.
MultiCare Health System has implemented Illumicare's clinical financial decision support application using CDS Hooks for integration with EHR platforms. The system provides "cognitive nudges" to clinicians about appropriate care, based on the Choosing Wisely initiative. When surveys revealed that a significant amount of thought goes into managing clinical decision support alerts, MultiCare developed a quality bonus metric to reward clinicians for the extra cognitive work, and the waste reduction amounted to around $2.5 million in the first year, says Dr. Arun Mathews, the health system's regional chief medical officer.
The national registered nurse shortage is projected to reach 10% by 2027, undermining patient care throughout all sectors of the health system, from hospitals to home health agencies. State governments, hospitals and universities are taking steps to address the issue. The federal National Nursing Workforce Center Act would support resources, education and training, and continued federal support for the Nursing Workforce Development Programs is also critical.
Evening therapy programs provide essential mental health support for nurses by offering flexible scheduling that accommodates their demanding work hours. These programs include individual counseling, group therapy, and skill-building workshops, making mental health care accessible without interfering with nurses' shifts. This flexibility is crucial for nurses seeking support while managing their professional responsibilities.
A leaked HHS budget proposal suggests reducing the number of NIH institutes and centers from 27 to eight, cutting the NIH budget from $48 billion to $27 billion and completely eliminating four institutes or centers, including the National Institute of Nursing Research.
Health systems including Indiana University Health and Luminis Health are actively engaging in leadership development for Generation Z, recognizing their distinct expectations from employers. Gen Z values opportunities for early career growth and personalized coaching. Both health systems are addressing these needs by providing structured mentorship and feedback, which are crucial for attracting and retaining young talent.
Rural hospitals including Keokuk County Hospital and Washington County Hospital in Iowa, face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining nurses. The pandemic has led to increased burnout and turnover, with many nurses leaving the profession. Young nurses often prefer urban settings, further complicating recruitment efforts. The reliance on costly travel nurses adds financial strain to these small hospitals, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to attract and keep nursing staff in rural areas.
The "trust fall" exercise that's popular with team-building events can make you believe trust happens dramatically, but author and leadership expert Mike Robbins writes that trust is formed over time when you do what you say you will, take ownership of mistakes and offer empathy to your team. "This might sound simple, but consistency builds trust," Robbins writes.
