Burnout among healthcare workers isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a workforce crisis. Across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, healthcare professionals are facing overwhelming workloads, chronic stress, and emotional fatigue at unprecedented levels. And the consequences? High turnover, staffing shortages, and compromised patient care.
At Express Healthcare Staffing, we work closely with hospitals, clinics, and aged care facilities —and we see the pressure firsthand. The good news? Employers can play a major role in reversing the burnout trend. Here’s how.
The State of Burnout: A Global Snapshot
- Australia: A 2023 study published in the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing revealed that 68.6% of hospital nurses experienced high emotional exhaustion.
- New Zealand: According to a 2023 survey conducted by WorkSafe New Zealand, 67.7% of healthcare workers reported experiencing emotional exhaustion at least some of the time.
- United States: According to the American Medical Association, burnout affects over 50% of doctors and nurses, with younger professionals (under 35) reporting the highest levels of stress and dissatisfaction.
Despite different healthcare systems, the common thread is clear: overwhelmed workers and a growing demand for systemic support.
Why Employers Must Act
- Burnout isn’t just bad for morale—it leads to:
- Increased sick leave and absenteeism
- Higher staff turnover and recruitment costs
- Declining patient satisfaction and safety
- Lower team productivity and engagement
Investing in burnout prevention isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a business imperative.
6 Practical Ways Employers Can Support Healthcare Teams
- Prioritise Safe Staffing Levels
Understaffing is one of the most cited causes of burnout. When shifts are consistently short, pressure builds—patient safety and quality of care suffers.
Action: Use reliable temp staffing solutions (like Express Healthcare Staffing) to fill gaps quickly and maintain safe patient care levels within your facility.
2. Create Open Lines of Communication
Burnout often festers in silence. Empower your team to speak up early about stress, workload, and concerns without fear of judgment or reprisal.
Action: Implement regular check-ins, anonymous pulse surveys, or “mental health huddles” where well-being is openly discussed.
3. Provide Mental Health Resources
Access to confidential counselling, EAP programs, or mental health training can make a huge difference.
Action: Offer resources tailored to healthcare-specific trauma, including debriefing sessions after critical incidents.
4. Offer Flexible Work Options
Where clinically possible, give staff input into their schedules, and offer part-time, job-share, or staggered shift models.
Action: Use casual or contract staff to create more breathing room for permanent team members.
5. Recognise and Reward Contributions
Acknowledgement goes a long way. Recognise the hard work and emotional labour your teams perform every day.
Action: Build in moments for praise—whether through shoutouts in team meetings, peer-nominated awards, or simple thank-you notes.
6. Invest in Leadership Training
Frontline leaders play a key role in burnout prevention—but they need the tools to manage people, not just rosters.
Action: Train team leaders in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and early intervention strategies.
Looking Ahead: Culture Matters
A culture of care starts at the top. When leadership sets the tone that wellbeing is non-negotiable, it ripples through the entire organisation. The most resilient healthcare workplaces are those that value people, listen actively, and respond quickly.
We’re Here to Help
At Express Healthcare Staffing, we’re more than just a recruitment agency—we’re a partner in workforce wellbeing. By providing quality staff quickly and supporting healthcare providers across Australia, we help reduce pressure on your team and keep care standards high.
Whether you need support during peak periods or want to prevent staff burnout before it starts, we’re ready to help you build a healthier, more sustainable workforce. Reach out today to learn how we can support your team!