Adapting Mindfully: Reflective Strategies for Healthcare Workforce Changes
As a business leader and mentor, and above all, a fellow human navigating the currents of change, I’ve spent the past 20+ years exploring ideas, internally and externally, seeking ways to adapt in an ever-evolving world. The changes occurring within the healthcare workforce are no exception.
I recently read a report from The Occupational Information Network, part of the U.S. Department of Labor, revealing the most stressful jobs in 2023. Notably, healthcare professions topped the list, reflecting the challenges posed by factors like an aging population, rising employee turnover, the changing values of younger generations, and navigating technological advancements.
Amid this tapestry of change, I believe it’s possible to adapt to these shifts in a way that not only has a greater positive impact on those working in the healthcare sphere but subsequently the world.
The First Step to Approach Change
Recognizing that every action or behavior is rooted in a belief or thought, conscious or unconscious, prompts an important question: doesn’t it stand to reason that dedicating more time to internal self-reflection precedes formulating an effective plan for adapting to change? This underscores the importance of making the examination of your beliefs the initial and foundational step when adjusting to the evolving landscape of the healthcare workforce.
This requires an inner exploration into not only who you are, but also a greater understanding of others that you’re connected to - either directly or indirectly. It requires you to recognize individuals as distinct human beings, beyond the confines of their roles within the healthcare arena.
Unveiling Perspectives
Fostering a deeper understanding of yourself and others reveals insights that otherwise may lay dormant. How can you know what motivates the overworked nurse without asking the right questions? Perhaps she has a family at home she needs to take care of, but maybe there’s more. (Hint: there’s always more.) More importantly, maybe there is something that could be changed to make her time spent working as a nurse less exhausting and less of something she must do to support her family.
If those changes were to occur, I think it’s safe to assume it would not only have a greater impact on her life but also her environment, the people around her, and her patients - I think it’s easy to say it would have a Ripple of Impact.
How We’re All Connected
Spending time unraveling your beliefs will also lead you to become more aware of important connections you may not have noticed in the past. The healthcare industry, in particular, is intricately linked to seemingly unrelated sectors, creating a network of interdependence and influence that may not be immediately apparent. A pertinent illustration of this interconnectivity is highlighted in a recent article by The Washington Post, shedding light on how the introduction of a new weight loss drug reverberates across various industries, from food to travel.
So, why does an awareness of these connections matter? In my book, Dare to Be Naive, I share stories from individuals who not only recognized the interconnections among individuals and industries but also explored the role they played in actively shaping these networks. The result? Not only were they more adept at navigating change, but they also became architects of positive transformations.
A Practical Step for Adapting to Change
I’ve seen time and time again that what prepares professionals the most to adapt to change is the ability to take a step back and listen to themselves and others. It’s not some chaotic rush to find an answer on how to effectively adapt to change. Instead, it’s quieting the noise. Most often, you’ll find your answers in stillness.
It seems straightforward that spending time reflecting on beliefs and the motivations and behaviors that stem from them is useful, but this way of thinking has become foreign to many. The truth is that it takes practice, courage, and a genuine desire to bring about transformative perspectives.
I aim to help others with the practice component by providing a simple framework to reveal some of these insights, but the courage and genuine desire lie in the hands of the individual.
Beliefs Framework
- What is our current practice?
- What beliefs, implicit or explicit, influence this practice? How are those beliefs evolving?
- What new practices do these evolved beliefs suggest we try?
- How could we safely, cost-effectively, and respectfully experiment with one of these new practices?
Beliefs Framework in Practice
What is our current practice?
In the healthcare workforce, there may be a focus on traditional models of support for healthcare professionals including the first year. Stress management programs may be in place, but there could be room for improvement.
What beliefs are influencing this practice? How are they evolving?
Implicit beliefs: Healthcare professionals should be able to handle high-stress situations without significant external support.
Explicit beliefs: Healthcare workers should be prepared for “the real world” after medical or nursing school.
Evolution of beliefs: Increasing recognition of the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals prompts a reevaluation of support systems particularly during their first year of work.
What new practices do these evolved beliefs suggest we try?
Rethink how mental health and wellness support for healthcare professionals can look, recognizing the importance of emotional well-being in maintaining high-quality patient care.
Review current “year one practices” and explore programs that can bridge the gap between textbook and real-world healthcare.
How could we effectively experiment with these new beliefs?
Introduce solutions that offer healthcare workers support and options for managing stress both at work and outside of it. These could include a mindfulness program, weekly meal deliveries, or assistance with paying off student debt more quickly.
Experiment with mentor or buddy programs, extended immersive onboarding experiences, or technology-based platforms. These tools can assist busy managers in providing a first-year experience that makes healthcare workers feel cared for.
Monitor the impact of these initiatives on stress levels, job satisfaction, and overall performance.
Collect feedback from healthcare professionals to refine and improve the new support systems and first year practices.
Going Forward
The stillness before the storm of change may cause you to feel initial unease, but it offers an opportunity for preparation and acceptance of the organic rhythm of life. By unraveling the roots of our beliefs, we discern whether our viewpoints and perspectives align with our true selves, our aspirations, and with the dynamic shifts in the healthcare industry.
Acknowledging what comes to light when engaging with the beliefs framework, we are equipped to adapt to change effectively and embrace change through self-reflection, compassion, and a willingness to experiment with new practices.
About Joshua Berry
In his newly released book, Dare to Be Naive, Joshua shares stories of individuals who chose to listen to their true selves, uncovering insights that not only contributed to incredible changes in their personal and professional lives but also rippled outward to impact the world. Within the pages, he offers practical frameworks and thought-provoking questions, so any individual can embark on their own path of discovery and evolution.
Beyond the book, Joshua Berry is a world-class facilitator of change. As an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and director of Econic, Joshua has spent the last two decades evolving the what, who, and why of Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed startups. Learn more at econic.co and joshuaberry.com.