Decreasing Employee Burnout Through Improved Resilience

Abstract

Burnout rates for healthcare staff are continuing to rise at an alarming rate. Burnout can affect individual well-being, patient safety and satisfaction, quality of care delivered, and organizational costs. Improving staff resilience is one proven method to decrease burnout. This project aimed to reduce staff burnout rates by improving resilience. The participants were members of a healthcare unit comprised of clinical and non-clinical staff in an academic medical center that had burnout rates between 40-50% in 2019. Staff levels of burnout and resilience were measured through a web-based anonymous survey before and after the intervention. The eight-week resiliency program consisted of a 90 minute weekly virtual session alternating between guided mindfulness meditation and a didactic presentation on different resiliency-focused topics. The four weeks of mindfulness incorporated mindful breathing, body awareness, and loving-kindness through guided meditation and encouraged at-home mindfulness practice. The four weeks of education reinforced the science behind resiliency and how it can be improved with mindfulness, gratitude, kindness, and relationships. Additional optional web-based tools were provided during each educational session to enhance the utilization of resiliency skills. Sixty-five percent of staff participated in the Resiliency Program. A smaller subgroup participated in both surveys and the program, allowing for further analysis showing significant improvement in resiliency and reduction in burnout. The majority of participants were satisfied with the program and expressed interest in continuing with additional resiliency activities. This project combines several evidence-based resiliency improvement tactics that led to a reduction in burnout.