Prioritizing Wellness in the Workplace

In the fast-paced, high-demand environment of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta, wellness needs to be more than a buzzword-it’s essential to maintaining our ability to provide the best care for our patients, and the best environment for our trainees, faculty, and staff. This month, we want to shine a spotlight on the importance of wellness in the workplace and celebrate some of the ways our department members have been promoting wellness.

Why Wellness Matters in the Workplace

Workplace wellness programs are not just about boosting morale or finding time to socialize - they have measurable impacts on both employee well-being and organizational success. Research shows that organizations implementing wellness initiatives see a 25% reduction in sick leave and 32% higher employee retention, contributing to a more productive and satisfied workforce.

In healthcare settings, where stress and burnout are particularly prevalent, the importance of wellness is even more critical. According to the American Psychological Association, 79% of employees report work-related stress, with healthcare workers at a higher risk for burnout, which can lead to increased errors in patient care. Studies also show that employees who feel supported in their well-being are 89% more likely to be engaged in their work, which can translate to better patient outcomes.

Highlighting Wellness Leadership and Research in Pediatrics

Dr. Melanie Lewis, Associate Dean of Wellness and Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, has been a leading advocate for workplace well-being. As highlighted by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, she advocates for a cultural shift where wellness is essential to patient care and professional satisfaction.

Leading us away from individual resilience, Dr. Lewis believes we need to focus on systemic change, where we advocate addressing issues surrounding workload and resources to create environments where workers feel valued. Her leadership continues to drive initiatives forward, including the National Collaborative, which is part of a multi-year initiative that received funding in the amount of $3.5 million from Health Canada, seeks to unite physicians and healthcare professionals to develop solutions for burnout among healthcare workers.

Dr. Victor Do, Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Pediatrics, has extensive experience in physician and learner well-being. He feels it is critical that we make ongoing strategic efforts focused on staff, faculty and learner well being. Dr. Do was crucial in developing the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Wellness Lab.

The FoMD Well Lab was developed with the mission to lead efforts to strengthen medical learner and physician wellbeing, locally, nationally and internationally. It prioritizes supporting learner-led projects that aim to advance efforts to make systemic changes that renew medical culture. Their vision is that through their scholarship and advocacy, they will be leaders in the development and fostering of health promoting environments where people thrive. the FoMD Well Lab is happy to support and foster collaboration on research that is aimed at advancing wellbeing across the department and faculty. These academic efforts are a small part in the concerted, strategic efforts we need to undertake to continue improving the working and learning environment.

Where We Are Going From Here

As we continue on our wellness journey, the Department of Pediatrics is committed to building on the foundation we've laid. We look forward to hosting more professional development and learning opportunities. We also aim to offer more department-wide events to foster a stronger sense of community between learners, community pediatricians, faculty, and staff. By creating more opportunities for all members to come together, we can strengthen relationships across the department and build an environment where everyone feels connected and supported. We also hope to develop and implement new initiatives designed to further support the well-being of our members and promote a positive workplace culture.

Together, we will continue prioritizing wellness, ensuring that our department remains a place where every member can thrive personally and professionally.