While you spend your workdays managing staff to offer the best care possible to patients, don’t underestimate the importance of caring for yourself. Globally, 58% of employees are struggling, according to Gallup’s Employee Life Evaluation. And, 28% of U.S. workers feel burned out at work, very often or always.
As a leader in healthcare, you’re still an employee, and your well-being matters as much as your team’s. The impact of your well-being can have a greater effect on other employees, for better or worse. But when you’re at your best, you’ll be most equipped to support your team and patients.
Prioritize Your Well-Being
Taking care of yourself regularly and prioritizing self-care can help you stay in tune with yourself and be the most effective leader possible while mitigating burnout. The time to work on your well-being is before you experience burnout. Maintaining well-being requires a time investment and understanding the benefits.
Work on your well-being with these realistic approaches:
- Schedule time off regularly to rest and enjoy other activities
- Practice grounding to transition out of the workday
- Be aware of your mental health
- Manage stress with effective strategies like mindfulness
Well-Being’s Cascading Impact
Modeling well-being behaviors can ensure leaders practice well-being and positively influence their team. Setting an example of work-life balance, appropriate boundaries, and prioritizing health sets up your coworkers and direct reports to do the same for themselves. The Center for Creative Leadership identifies six aspects of well-being that improve leadership and positively impact peers and subordinates:
- Purpose
- Growth
- Health
- Agency
- Connection
- Resilience
A 2023 Vital Signs report from the Center for Disease Control found healthcare workers experienced more burnout in 2022 than in 2018, but positive working conditions led to lower chances of experiencing poor symptoms.
Ultimately, your well-being is key to effectively leading. Investing in your well-being and modeling healthy behaviors can mitigate burnout and enhance the work experience for you and your team. As you prioritize well-being, you empower your team to do the same, creating a chain reaction that benefits your organization.
About Express Healthcare Staffing
Express Healthcare Staffing is in the business of people. We support local hospitals, clinics, and long-term facilities with exceptional medical professionals seeking new career opportunities. Through an individual approach to healthcare staffing, we help ensure the right fit for both the facility and the professional. For more information, visit ExpressHealthcare.com/Employers or ExpressHealthcare.ca/Employers. Find the location nearest you in the U.S. or Canada.
Last Updated on March 27, 2026
