DEIBXXEM2412 - CME/CMLE - Combatting Laboratory Burnout and Stress-Combatting Laboratory Burnout and Stress

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Lotte Mulder and Dr. Joe Srinath Rapan present strategies to address laboratory burnout and stress. Dr. Mulder, Director of Empowerment and Leadership at AACP, and Dr. Rapan, Director of Pathology Informatics at Memorial Sloan Cancer Center, emphasize the urgency exacerbated by COVID-19. Key objectives include understanding pandemic-related burnout, advocating for work-life balance, and fostering transparent, engaging organizational cultures.<br /><br />Burnout features three dimensions: energy depletion, mental distance from job duties, and reduced efficacy. Survey data highlights that over 50% of lab professionals have experienced burnout, with COVID-19 significantly worsening conditions for 27% of lab professionals and impacting organizational culture profoundly.<br /><br />Effective burnout management encompasses cultural alignment—structures, systems, and behaviors—and practical interventions. Survey results reveal that 77% of lab professionals feel overworked. Notably, factors contributing to burnout include poor management and toxic work environments.<br /><br />Mitigation strategies include wellness programs and inclusive environments. Connecting to organizational culture, data, cost implications, and bottom-up and top-down approaches are crucial. Leaders must create transparent, supportive environments, and professional organizations must advocate for policy changes to ensure workforce sustainability and prevent burnout.

Keywords

laboratory burnout

stress management

work-life balance

COVID-19 impact

organizational culture

wellness programs

policy advocacy