Recovery Michigan

For the integrated care workforce, addressing the complex needs of individuals with numerous and serious behavioral and physical health difficulties increases staff risk of experiencing symptoms associated with burnout and compassion fatigue. Christina Maslach, a researcher with extensive professional experience studying the field of work burnout, defines burnout as “feelings of exhaustion, a cynical attitude toward the job and people involved in the job, and a reduced personal accomplishment or work efficiency. Burnout can be thought of as 'taking away a person’s spirit and will.'”

Burnout may be the result of workload demands, poor organizational practices, intense time pressures, unsupportive relationships with supervisors and co-workers, and lack of control across work environments. In addition to organizational factors, healthcare and social services providers face unique challenges associated with addressing the needs of people with serious behavioral and/or physical health difficulties. The frequent listening to and/or direct observation of the suffering of others may elicit strong emotional, psychological, and physical reactions that lead to emotional exhaustion, a cynical attitude towards one’s work, and a loss of empathic connections to others.