Healthcare Workers’ Perceptions of Work-Related Stress and Burnout: Strategies and Barriers for Self-Care

Abstract

Background: There is little research providing critical understanding of how healthcare professionals perceive and manage work-related stress. This study aims to understand healthcare workers’ perspectives regarding work-related stress and burnout, strategies and barriers for self-care, and organizational support for self-care and resiliency. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare workers from 5 organizations in New York State. Data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis. Results: Interviews were conducted with 27 healthcare workers from various disciplines. Findings indicated that healthcare workers experienced high levels of stress and burnout, which negatively impacts their mental health, quality of work, relationships with coworkers, and patient care. Many participants expressed an interest in self-care activities, and there were apparent differences among respondents regarding perceived organizational support. Five themes were identified, including: staff shortages, coworker conflict and interactions, strategies to mitigate stress, impacts of work-related stress, and managing stress and burnout in the workplace. Conclusion: Workplace stress affects patient care, but workers feel that there is limited support from leadership. It is critical that healthcare organizations and governments prioritize providing support along with other resources to healthcare workers to address burnout and assist with mental health concerns.