Healthcare has always demanded resilience, but recent years have taken the pressure to new heights. As Practice Managers, you are at the frontline of safeguarding not only your patients' wellbeing but your team's as well.
With stress levels high and staffing shortages still a reality, it's never been more important to actively protect your GPs, ANPs, and wider practice teams from burnout.
April is Stress Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to put strategies in place that protect your staff and promote a healthier work environment.
Here are some proactive ways you can make a difference:
1. Recognise the Warning Signs Early
Long hours, emotional exhaustion, and a drop in engagement are red flags that shouldn’t be ignored. Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable raising concerns before reaching crisis point.
2. Prioritise Flexible Staffing Solutions
Having the right clinical staff in place is essential. Bringing in locum GPs, ANPs, and Practice Nurses during peak periods can prevent overstretching your core team. Flexibility isn't a luxury — it's a lifeline.
3. Encourage Regular Breaks and Manageable Workloads
No one can pour from an empty cup. Encourage proper breaks and realistic session scheduling. It’s vital for mental and physical recovery, even on the busiest days.
4. Create a Supportive Practice Culture
Open communication, peer support groups, and simple gestures of appreciation can make a world of difference. Staff who feel valued are far more likely to stay resilient.
5. Partner with a Recruitment Agency that Understands Your Pressures
At Eligo Medical, we work alongside practices to provide reliable, quality clinicians exactly when you need them. We understand that covering gaps isn't just about filling a diary slot — it's about protecting your team’s wellbeing and maintaining the highest standards of patient care.
In a climate where every session and every clinician matters, investing in your team's wellbeing isn't optional — it's essential.
Stress Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to start.
If you're feeling the pressure or planning ahead for busier periods, we can help ease the load. Let's have a confidential conversation about how we can support your practice and your people.