Published on 31 March 2022
In 2021 we asked staff to reflect on their recent experience working at Western Health using our Pulse Survey.
Designed in partnership with a global wellbeing expert and psychologist Dr Michael Leiter, the survey takes a pulse check of Western Health staff with a focus on burnout and psychological safety.
The results of the November 2021 survey reflect our experiences during a particularly challenging time.
We can all feel proud of how we have risen to the challenge of providing life-saving care during the consecutive waves of COVID-19 that swept through our community.
Workloads have been high and we have had to adjust the way we work to respond to the urgent and evolving challenges of the pandemic.
Many of us have been overextended for a sustained period of time.
While staff told us they feel supported and grateful for the initiatives put in place to support their wellbeing and mental health, some employees are feeling exhausted, fatigued and increasingly experiencing burnout.
Staff providing direct patient care and those who were younger were more likely to report burnout.
Even though we are still working in an uncertain environment, there are things that are within our control, such as the support we seek out, or setting aside time for self-care.
Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences, your feedback is helping shape the creation and delivery of programs, services and initiatives to support staff.
Here are some highlights of the survey results from Western Health sites, excluding Bacchus Marsh and Melton.
We have also collated some of the common challenges raised by staff and the actions we have taken to support you to alleviate these issues on the Westerly.
Conversations about wellbeing are important. They can also be challenging.
If you’d like to speak to someone about your wellbeing, you can contact your manager, email the Organisational Culture and Leadership Development Team, or you can also find practical tips and a range of services on the Westerly, including how to access free and confidential psychological assistance.
We will continue to collaborate with staff, senior leaders and our research partners to find the best way to support you in the future.
Kind regards,
The Executive Team