Addressing mental health and well-being in today’s health care organizations
Julia Arant
Inflationary pressures and high-stress working conditions have led to a shortage of clinical and non-clinical labor throughout the past couple of years, and this trend continues to persist. This shortage is particularly prevalent amongst clinical workers, with an expected gap of 200,000 to 450,000 registered nurses and 50,000 to 80,000 doctors. Clinical attrition is also abnormally high, as nurses move away from direct care due to a lack of support, safety, and flexibility. As a result, recruiting and retaining talent has become more challenging.
The health care industry’s mental health challenge
The health care industry’s staffing challenge is due in part to the mental health of its workers. The pandemic exacerbated an already strained situation, with many health care workers reporting increased anxiety and burnout in 2020. In our post-pandemic world, the numbers have only gotten worse, with 93% of health workers reporting being stressed out and stretched too thin, 82% feeling emotionally and physically exhausted, and 45% of nurses not receiving enough emotional support.
Solutions to address mental health
Employers have options to ease their staffing and labor concerns. Optimizing or upgrading technology with more efficient systems can reduce the labor burden on staff. Additionally, implementing diversity training can help cultivate an environment where employees feel safe and heard. There are also opportunities to invest in benefits that support well-being, such as continuing education, tuition reimbursement, and loan refinancing.
Providing options for more accessible mental health resources is another way health care organizations can address their labor shortage. Mental health professionals and licensed therapists are also in short supply. Digital health care, such as telehealth, can make it easier for workers to access these important services. Health care organizations have already begun leveraging digital health and wellness coaches, and new therapeutic monitoring codes under Medicare speak to the credibility of digital health in the market.
Tools for your employees’ well-being
Thinking about the future of the health care industry doesn’t have to be daunting. Having a trusted partner to support your organization as you work to progress in the right direction is important. Marsh McLennan Agency offers a comprehensive well-being program that considers physical, mental, financial, and social well-being that benefits employers and employees. Our Mental Health Toolkit can help you get one step closer to providing the guidance and care your employees need. Ensuring your employees feel supported in all aspects of their lives helps to retain and attract talent across the board.
Marsh McLennan Agency’s Workers’ Health 360 program analyzes medical and workers’ compensation claims data to identify trends and opportunities to improve health strategies. Instead of viewing medical and pharmacy as a separate risk pool from disability, and having workers’ compensation as a stand-alone product, you can manage your organization’s risk from a one-system perspective.
Download Marsh McLennan Agency’s Benefits Trends Report to learn more and contact a specialist today to learn about our proprietary health care and well-being solutions.
