Breaking the Cycle: Personal Solutions to Managing Unmanageable Workloads in Healthcare
Owen Nwanebu
Executive Coach | Speaker | Social & Emotional Intelligence Coach | Healthcare Leadership Development Facilitator | Empowering Healthcare Professionals to Accelerate Careers & Enhance Lives
The recently released General Medical Council (GMC) Report on the State of Medical Education and Practice in the UK 2024 sheds light on a growing concern among doctors: the unmanageable workload.
This relentless pressure is creating a vicious cycle, leading to stress, burnout and ultimately, a decline in both workplace satisfaction and personal well-being.
As an emotional intelligence expert dedicated to helping healthcare professionals build a happy and successful life and career, I believe it’s crucial to address this issue head-on.
?While systemic changes are undoubtedly necessary, it's equally crucial to focus on personal strategies that can help break this cycle and restore a sense of balance and control.
Options such as changing careers, relocating, or making other significant life adjustments are available.
However, many healthcare professionals will continue to remain in the system—whether by choice or circumstance—especially when their work is deeply tied to their sense of purpose and calling.
If you find yourself among those who will stay within the system, you have two choices: you can wait and hope for systemic changes to take place or you can take proactive steps to improve your situation while anticipating those changes
For those ready to take action and create the change they desire, here are some strategies that healthcare professionals can adopt to manage unmanageable workloads more effectively:
1. Prioritise and Set Boundaries:
Begin by clearly identifying your most critical tasks and prioritise them. Learning to say “no” gracefully to non-essential requests is crucial.
Setting boundaries not only helps manage your workload but also protects your mental and emotional health.?
2. Practice Emotional Regulation:
Developing emotional intelligence allows you to recognise and manage the stress and emotions that arise from heavy workloads.
Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and reflective practices can help you stay calm and focused even in the face of overwhelming demands.
3. Delegate and Collaborate:
Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks when appropriate and collaborate with your team.
Trusting colleagues with responsibilities can lighten your load and create a more supportive working environment.
4. Optimise Time Management:
Implementing effective time management strategies, such as the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking, can help you stay organised and increase productivity.
Breaking your day into focused work periods with regular breaks can prevent burnout and improve efficiency.?
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5. Cultivate a Support Network:
Surround yourself with a network of supportive colleagues, mentors and friends. Sharing experiences and seeking advice can provide emotional relief and practical solutions.
A strong support system is essential in navigating the challenges of a demanding profession.
6. Invest in Self-Care:
Self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Regular physical activity, sufficient sleep and healthy eating habits are foundational to managing stress.
Incorporate activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s a hobby, walking or spending time with loved ones.
?Addressing the issue of unmanageable workloads requires a multifaceted approach, blending both personal strategies and systemic advocacy.
By taking proactive steps to manage stress and workload effectively, healthcare professionals can break the vicious cycle, improve their well-being and continue to deliver the highest standard of care to their patients.
?Let’s take control where we can, and start building a healthier, more sustainable way to thrive in our demanding yet deeply rewarding profession.
?For more tips and personalised guidance on enhancing your emotional intelligence, subscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter, "Happiness for Healthcare Professionals."
Feel free to reach out with the subject line "EI" if you would like me to get in touch with you directly.
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