{"id":428,"date":"2024-03-06T11:10:09","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T11:10:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.imperiallocum.com\/?p=428"},"modified":"2025-11-18T08:10:32","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T08:10:32","slug":"5-best-ways-to-enhance-physician-well-being","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/5-best-ways-to-enhance-physician-well-being\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Best Ways to Enhance Physician Well-being"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>The Medscape Physician Lifestyle and Happiness Report examines the elements every year that influence the happiness and well-being of physicians. Additionally, Medscape\u2019s 2023 National Physician Burnout and Depression Report delves into the extent and causes of frustration, sadness, and burnout among healthcare professionals nationwide. Therefore, Imperial Locum suggests Ways to Enhance Physician Well-being which is based on the insights provided by these reports.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/5-best-ways-to-enhance-physician-well-being\/#Post-pandemic_physicians_happiness_remains_low\" >Post-pandemic physicians&#8217; happiness remains low<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/5-best-ways-to-enhance-physician-well-being\/#Physicians_still_face_high_rates_of_burnout\" >Physicians still face high rates of burnout<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/5-best-ways-to-enhance-physician-well-being\/#Components_of_physician_burnout\" >Components of physician burnout<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/5-best-ways-to-enhance-physician-well-being\/#5_Best_Ways_to_Enhance_Physician_Well-being\" >5 Best Ways to Enhance Physician Well-being<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/5-best-ways-to-enhance-physician-well-being\/#Minimize_the_Administrative_Workload\" >Minimize the Administrative Workload<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/5-best-ways-to-enhance-physician-well-being\/#Foster_a_Better_Work-life_Balance\" >Foster a Better Work-life Balance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/5-best-ways-to-enhance-physician-well-being\/#Prioritize_Respect_and_Recognition_at_Workplace\" >Prioritize Respect and Recognition at Workplace<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/5-best-ways-to-enhance-physician-well-being\/#Improve_Workplace_Culture\" >Improve Workplace Culture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/5-best-ways-to-enhance-physician-well-being\/#Empower_Greater_Freedom_and_Liberty\" >Empower Greater Freedom and Liberty<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Post-pandemic_physicians_happiness_remains_low\"><\/span><strong>Post-pandemic physicians&#8217; happiness remains low<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Imperial Locum is currently experiencing an era heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, physicians&#8217; health and well-being are frequently compared to pre-pandemic standards. According to the latest surveys, physicians haven&#8217;t reached their pre-pandemic levels of health and happiness yet.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>According to the 2023 report, there has been a significant decrease in overall happiness levels both outside of work and in the workplace. Before the pandemic, 81% of respondents reported feeling happy or somewhat happy outside of work, but this figure dropped to just 59% in 2023. Similarly, at-work happiness declined from 75% pre-COVID to a concerning 48% in 2023.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>One potential reason might be that<a href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/job-list?discipline=psychiatrist&amp;hospital-type=&amp;states=\"><strong> Psychiatrists<\/strong><\/a> cannot work remotely. But another survey found that 43% of American workers reported a better work-life balance during and after the pandemic, thanks to the opportunity to work from home.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Physicians_still_face_high_rates_of_burnout\"><\/span><strong>Physicians still face high rates of burnout<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Emergency and internal medicine are two specialties that have been particularly impacted by burnout during the pandemic era, with rates reaching 65% and 60%, respectively. Furthermore, female physicians are facing a higher burden of burnout, with 63% reporting symptoms compared to 46% of male physicians.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Those working in outpatient clinics or office-based, multispecialty group practices reported the highest burnout rates (57%), whereas solo practitioners reported the lowest (43%), partly due to the increased sovereignty associated with self-employment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Components_of_physician_burnout\"><\/span><strong>Components of physician burnout<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The primary contributors to workplace burnout include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>An excess of bureaucratic tasks (61%)<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Lacking respect from colleagues (38%)<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li>Excessive work hours (37%)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When asked about the most beneficial workplace measures to combat burnout, the majority of responses emphasized the significance of increased compensation (45%), a more manageable work schedule (44%), additional support staff (37%), and enhanced respect from both superiors and coworkers (36%).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Best_Ways_to_Enhance_Physician_Well-being\"><\/span><strong>5 Best Ways to Enhance Physician Well-being<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Even though the surveys show that they aren&#8217;t very happy, healthcare organizations can do things to help them feel better and less stressed at work. Here are five ways you can do that:<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Minimize_the_Administrative_Workload\"><\/span>Minimize the Administrative Workload<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Physicians face additional administrative burdens on top of their already demanding schedules, which reduce the time they can spend directly caring for patients. Recent research published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that they dedicate nearly two hours per day beyond their regular work hours to complete electronic health record (EHR) documentation. If you want to simplify some of these administrative tasks, when feasible, could allow psychiatrists to prioritize patient care and find greater satisfaction in their professional roles.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Foster_a_Better_Work-life_Balance\"><\/span>Foster a Better Work-life Balance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>According to the Medscape report, the main tactics physicians use to deal with burnout include engaging in exercise (50%), dedicating time to family and friends (45%), and prioritizing rest (41%). It shows how important it is for them to balance work and life to feel better and less stressed. Interestingly, a majority of surveyed physicians (53%) indicated they would be willing to accept lower pay in exchange for improved work-life balance, a figure that peaked during the height of the pandemic and exceeds the average preference among U.S. workers.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prioritize_Respect_and_Recognition_at_Workplace\"><\/span>Prioritize Respect and Recognition at Workplace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The Physician Happiness Survey revealed that only 34% of physicians believe they receive adequate appreciation for their efforts. If you implement formal recognition programs and encourage informal gestures of gratitude, it can significantly boost morale and foster a greater sense of appreciation among psychiatrists for their valuable contributions.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improve_Workplace_Culture\"><\/span>Improve Workplace Culture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Cultivating genuine friendships and mentor relationships within the workplace can significantly enhance the happiness of physicians. According to a 2021 Physician Happiness Survey carried out by <a href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/\"><strong>Imperial Locum<\/strong><\/a> and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), respondents emphasized that interpersonal connections, above all other job factors, played a pivotal role in their happiness. Notably, among psychiatrists who indicated having numerous friends at work, 70% also expressed high levels of life satisfaction.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Empower_Greater_Freedom_and_Liberty\"><\/span>Empower Greater Freedom and Liberty<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>In a survey, 31% of physicians noted that their feelings of burnout were influenced by a sense of insufficient control. If you provide them freedom and autonomy within their work environment, it can foster a greater sense of empowerment, self-drive, and active engagement in their duties.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>By understanding what influences physician happiness and well-being, and by creating a workplace environment that addresses these factors, healthcare facilities can boost physician retention while fostering greater happiness and fulfillment in their careers for their employees.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Medscape Physician Lifestyle and Happiness Report examines the elements every year that influence the happiness and well-being of physicians. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":432,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[7,8,10,9,6],"class_list":["post-428","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-psychiatrist","tag-imperial-locum","tag-locum-jobs","tag-physician","tag-psychiatrist-job","tag-psychiatrists"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/428","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=428"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/428\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":806,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/428\/revisions\/806"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/432"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=428"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=428"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=428"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}