Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) defined work-related stress as “the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope” (Leka et al., 2003; WHO, 2022). Healthcare providers often prioritize patient care over their own well-being, resulting in adverse consequences for individual health and organizational performance. When stress is either caused by or expressed in someone’s workplace, it is considered “occupational stress” (McPhaul & Pompeii, 2020). Healthcare professionals play an indispensable role in implementing evidence-based strategies to mitigate employee stress and promote a healthy workplace. A recent article published in this journal, “Relaxation Methods to Reduce Occupational Stress” (Williams-Southers, 2024), examines the effectiveness of a workplace relaxation room intervention in reducing occupational stress among healthcare staff.
Occupational stress among healthcare professionals poses a significant challenge, affecting both individual well-being and organizational effectiveness (Zhang et al., 2021). The demanding nature of healthcare environments, coupled with high patient demands and workload pressures, often leads to burnout, diminished job satisfaction, and compromised patient care quality (Corpuz, 2023a). For instance, physician burnout can lead to “emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and a sense of reduced personal accomplishment” (West et al., 2018). While occupational health nurses have played a leading role in pioneering research and practical measures aimed at preventing workplace injuries and illnesses among healthcare workers, there is a need to address the literature gaps on this subject (McPhaul & Pompeii, 2020). In addition, Walton and Rogers (2017) argued that more research is needed to understand the risk and hazards that healthcare workers are facing in their workplace.
In response to these challenges, nurse leaders are increasingly exploring innovative strategies to support staff well-being and promote a healthy work culture. One such approach is the implementation of relaxation methods within the workplace setting (Corpuz, 2023b). Healthcare professionals must be provided with dedicated spaces and resources for stress reduction, while organizations aim to mitigate the negative effects of occupational stress and enhance overall job satisfaction and performance. Based on Williams-Southers’s (2024) analysis of Perceived Stress Scale–10 (PSS-10) and Gallup Q12, the results of the data did not yield statistically significant results postintervention. However, responses to open-ended questions indicated a favorable impact of the relaxation room on participants’ well-being and stress management. Although the primary objectives of the intervention were not achieved within the timeframe of the study, the qualitative feedback suggests that the relaxation room intervention positively contributed to the workplace environment for participating employees. Healthcare professionals can leverage this finding to integrate similar initiatives into their organizations, recognizing the importance of addressing occupational stressors to foster employee health and satisfaction. Workplace health interventions can benefit healthcare workers by increasing well-being, engagement, and reducing burnout.
Healthcare professionals play a critical role in implementing evidence-based strategies to support staff well-being and cultivate a positive work culture. One such strategy is the implementation of relaxation interventions within the workplace setting, aimed at mitigating the negative effects of occupational stress and enhancing employee satisfaction and performance (Williams-Southers, 2024). Another strategy would be the “whole-system healthy workplace interventions” in healthcare settings that incorporate these recommendations and determine whether they improve staff health and well-being (Brand et al., 2017). Finally, a multisectoral intervention in the workplace is needed. It entails the implementation of a multifaceted approach to mitigate occupational stress among healthcare professionals (Corpuz, 2023b). This approach encompasses a spectrum of strategies targeting various facets of the work environment and organizational dynamics. Key components include thorough assessment of workplace conditions, provision of specialized training and educational programs, cultivation of supportive leadership structures, facilitation of employee assistance programs, promotion of health and wellness initiatives, facilitation of flexible work arrangements, fostering of team cohesion and peer support mechanisms, establishment of robust conflict resolution mechanisms, prioritization of workplace safety measures, implementation of feedback mechanisms, development and enforcement of supportive policies, and collaboration with external stakeholders (Gilbert et al., 2023). Healthcare professionals can utilize these findings to inform future initiatives aimed at addressing occupational stress and promoting a culture of wellness within healthcare organizations (Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, 2022).
In conclusion, healthcare workers are encouraged to consider implementing similar interventions as suggested by Williams-Southers (2024) to support employee health and satisfaction, ultimately fostering a healthier and more resilient workforce. Mental health needs to be a top priority in the workplace setting.
