Health Care Leaders Promote Joy to Combat Burnout Amid Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted health care, leading to widespread burnout among professionals. In response, Sarah Forgie, the dean of medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, initiated discussions on finding joy at work to combat this issue. Forgie, who previously served as vice-provost and chair of pediatrics at the University of Alberta, emphasized the importance of helping colleagues identify moments of joy, which can transform both individual experiences and overall workplace morale.

A recent scoping review conducted by a research team from the University of Alberta examined 25 studies from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The findings indicate that fostering joy in the workplace leads to reduced burnout, improved staff retention, and enhanced patient outcomes. “It’s about helping each person find those moments where they are feeling joy that shifts the whole mood of their day and then has a downstream effect,” Forgie explained.

Simple Strategies for Enhancing Workplace Joy

According to Marghalara Rashid, the first author of the study and an assistant professor of pediatrics, creating joy in the workplace does not require complex solutions. “This is not rocket science, to be honest,” she stated. Recommended strategies include increasing workplace flexibility and reducing the administrative burdens on physicians to improve their relationships with patients and colleagues. These changes, Rashid asserts, contribute to a healthier work environment that promotes overall wellness.

Forgie pointed out the distinction between genuine joy and “toxic positivity,” which can often overshadow authentic feelings and experiences. “Joy is not a four-letter word,” she insisted. “When I talk about it, I think where people go to is the extreme of toxic positivity, where you basically wash over everything and say everything’s wonderful. That’s not what we’re about.”

During the pandemic, Forgie and her colleagues facilitated formal conversations on joy among faculty and staff. These discussions quickly gained traction, leading to a culture of inquiry where individuals asked each other about joy in their lives and the obstacles that hinder it. “It was like a virtuous circle,” she noted. “People were asking each other, ‘What brings you joy? What stands in your way? When do you feel your most joyful?’ This was making a difference.”

Impact on Health Care Professionals

The results of this initiative highlight the potential benefits of prioritizing joy in health care settings. Less burnout among staff not only improves retention but also translates into better care for patients. Forgie’s work serves as a reminder that addressing mental health and well-being within the workforce is essential, particularly in high-stress environments like healthcare.

As the industry continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, the focus on joy could lead to a more sustainable and resilient health care framework. Initiatives that encourage open dialogue about emotions and experiences can foster a supportive atmosphere, ultimately benefiting both health care professionals and the patients they serve.

The ongoing exploration of joy in the workplace signifies a growing recognition of its importance in maintaining a healthy and productive workforce. By embracing these principles, health care institutions may find innovative ways to enhance the well-being of their staff and improve overall service delivery in a challenging landscape.