Building a Systemic Well-Being Program: A 5-Step Blueprint

Burnout is defined as a workplace “syndrome characterized by high emotional exhaustion, high-depersonalization and a low sense of personal accomplishment” and for several decades has been recognized as an urgent issue for health care workers. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified this problem, creating an increase in job demands with fewer available resources. Research shows burnout is an occupational outcome experienced by the individual as the result of a suboptimal work environment. Knowing this issue is primarily system-based, it is important that an organization take a comprehensive approach to address the drivers which lead to burnout.

The Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine (CHARM) is a professional society composed of well-being leaders, medical educators, leaders in academic medicine, and experts in burnout research and interventions, working together with the mission to promote well-being among all health care professionals and trainees. The AHA partnered with a group of chief wellness officers (CWOs) belonging to the CHARM chief wellness officers network to help leaders, whether they be new CWOs or other leaders tasked with addressing health care organizational well-being, navigate where their organization currently is on this journey and how to effectively take next steps to move this work forward. This resource includes case examples and stories from leaders across health care sharing their experiences and lessons learned. It also offers resources to guide and enrich your efforts.

To view all of our resources combating burnout, visit the Physician Alliance Be Well page. For a first-hand experience developing personal and professional resources to combat burnout and thrive, register for the Physician Leadership Experience.