Urgent need for improved recovery strategies in healthcare and social welfare sectors, study finds

A new study highlights a growing concern in the healthcare and social welfare sectors: only 35% of employees are recovering adequately from their work, raising alarms about their long-term health and the sustainability of these critical industries.

The study, conducted by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and released on August 15, 2024,

reveals that inadequate recovery among healthcare and social welfare workers is leading to significant risks, including diminished work performance, increased health issues, and potential reductions in work ability. These sectors, already grappling with labor shortages, are facing an even greater challenge if recovery rates do not improve.

Young and Older Workers Particularly Affected

The study presents concerning statistics: only 29% of healthcare and social welfare professionals under 30, and 39% of those over 60, report recovering well from their work. Overall, just 35% of employees across all age groups in these sectors experienced adequate recovery. Even among supervisors and managers, who are critical in shaping workplace culture, recovery rates were only slightly better, at 40% and 41% respectively.

The Role of Management in Recovery

Research Professor Jaana Laitinen of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health emphasizes that individual recovery efforts alone are insufficient. Instead, there is a pressing need for community-level recovery strategies, which require competent and proactive management. These strategies involve better workload management, increasing resources, and ensuring that employees have access to recovery methods, such as adequate breaks during work hours.

“Management and supervisors must ensure that the work environment supports recovery,” Laitinen stresses. “This includes establishing clear work objectives, fostering a safe and open workplace atmosphere, and encouraging employees to discuss work-related challenges and recovery strategies.”

Key Recommendations for Enhancing Recovery

The study outlines several key measures for improving recovery in the healthcare and social welfare sectors:

1. Active Leadership: Managers should lead by example, prioritizing their own recovery to set a standard for their teams. This includes managing workloads effectively and ensuring that recovery is integrated into daily practices.

2. Adequate Resources and Training: Ensuring that supervisors have the time and skills necessary to support their teams is crucial. This may involve updating job descriptions and providing ongoing training to improve recovery practices.

3. Structured Work Environments: Clear objectives, rules, and regular team events can foster a supportive and innovative work community, essential for promoting recovery.

4. Workload Management: Regular well-being surveys and risk assessments can help managers monitor workloads and take timely action to prevent burnout.

5. Promoting Recovery Methods: Encouraging the use of recovery methods both during and outside of work can significantly enhance employees’ ability to recuperate.

6. Psychological Safety: Creating a work environment where employees feel safe to express concerns and seek support is vital for effective recovery.

7. Social Support: Managers should make time to check in with employees, offering social support and positive feedback to bolster morale and recovery.

8. Early Intervention: Familiarity with early intervention models is essential, ensuring that employees receive support before issues escalate.

Addressing a Growing Crisis

As the healthcare and social welfare sectors continue to face mounting pressures, the findings of this study underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure that employees are not only able to perform their duties but also maintain their well-being. The implementation of these recommendations could be pivotal in sustaining a workforce that is essential to the well-being of society at large.

HT