In 2019, ‘burnout’ was recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an ‘occupational phenomenon’. As the post pandemic era thrive and have drastically affected our work-life balance and working environments, we’ve conducted regular research to ascertain the public’s perceptions of burnout and the contributing factors, considering the pandemic.
What is burnout?
Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. It can occur when you experience long-term stress in your job or when you have worked in a physically or emotionally draining role for a long time.
Common signs of burnout:
●Feeling tired or drained most of the time.
●Feeling helpless, trapped and/or defeated.
●Feeling detached/alone in the world.
●Having a cynical/negative outlook
Self-doubt.
●Procrastinating and taking longer to get things done.
●Feeling overwhelmed.
What contributes to burnouts, and what can we do about it?
Interestingly, despite the WHO’s definition of burnout being an occupational hazard, not all of these factors were explicitly work-related – perhaps indicating that the pressures of work, combined with the additional pressures brought about by the pandemic are having a big impact on our wellbeing.
Pharmacists can prevent burnout by taking steps to improve their well-being and manage their workload. Here are some strategies that can be helpful:
Practice self-care: Self-care is essential to maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Pharmacists can practice self-care by eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and taking time off work to relax and recharge.
Seek support: It is important for pharmacists to have a support system, whether it is friends, family, or colleagues. Seeking help from a therapist or counselor can also be helpful in managing stress.
Prioritize tasks: Pharmacists can prioritize tasks by focusing on the most critical tasks and delegating tasks that can be completed by others. This can help reduce stress and prevent burnout.
Develop a work-life balance: Pharmacists can develop a work-life balance by setting boundaries between work and personal life. It is important to schedule time for hobbies, family, and social activities.
Take breaks: Pharmacists can take breaks throughout the workday to prevent burnout. Taking a few minutes to stretch, walk, or meditate can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
Communicate with colleagues: Open communication with colleagues can help pharmacists feel supported and reduce stress. Regular team meetings and debriefings can help identify areas of improvement and prevent potential issues.
Overall, it is essential for pharmacists to prioritize their well-being and take steps to prevent burnout. By incorporating self-care, seeking support, prioritizing tasks, developing work-life balance, taking breaks, and communicating with colleagues, pharmacists can maintain their health and continue to provide quality care to their patients.
