HCSHQ_102021

Page 6 — Health Care & Senior Housing Quarterly — October 2021 www.crej.com HEALTH CARE — TRENDS S tress and burnout are not new phenomena in the health care industry and consistently contribute to challenges with workforce shortages. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated pressure on care providers, with physical and mental repercussions causing more to consider making career changes. In recent surveys of health care workers, 76% reported experiencing exhaustion and burnout, with 48% considering retiring, quitting or changing careers altogether. More than ever, health care organizations are seeking methods of improving employee retention. A good place to start with retention is to strengthen employee satisfaction and workplace engagement. Teams with high levels of engagement real- ize a 41% reduction in absenteeism, 59% less turnover and 21% greater profitability. Engage- ment improves care provider satisfac- tion, which posi- tively correlates to patient satisfaction and adherence to care recommenda- tions, resulting in improved health outcomes. Improving employee engagement is a long-term investment. Not only are there cost reductions in hiring and training staff, but also engaged employees help recruit new talent, further strength- ening culture and retention. In addition to operational strate- gies, the physi- cal environment can contribute immensely to engagement. Focus- ing on well-being, control and connec- tion during design for any new capital project will help reinforce this value. n Well-being. Well- being integrates physical, mental and emotional health. Individuals with high levels of well-being show enhanced job satisfaction, are more productive and are less likely to quit their job. Here are a few ways design can specifically support well-being by encouraging holistic wellness and minimizing environmental stressors. • Promote physical health: Elements such as monumental stairs and fit- ness rooms encourage physical activ- ity throughout the day. Ergonomic sit- to-stand workstations, natural light and views support employee comfort. High sound transmission class walls and sound-absorbing materials pro- vide acoustic comfort, while tunable lighting supports a healthy circadian rhythm, particularly during night shifts. • Support mental and emotional health: Given the demanding nature of health care roles, it’s important to recognize the need and accommodate space for respite and stress manage- ment.Wellness rooms, quiet rooms and private outdoor areas aid in men- tal well-being. To enhance an employ- ee’s sense of security, utilize glass for shared-office doors, sensor-controlled lighting and clear visibility to public- access points. n Control. In all aspects of life, a sense of control plays a crucial role in our overall level of satisfaction. Extending beyond variety, control is about having agency, giving people spaces that equip them to perform their best work and adapt the envi- ronment to suit individual prefer- ences. • Design by activity: It’s important to design a spectrum of spaces that accommodate different work styles, while balancing the amount of col- laborative and private workspace. Designating zones for quiet or active collaboration allows staff to control noise levels throughout the day, as well as levels of social interaction and even room temperature. Include focus rooms and phone booths for heads- down work, dictation, virtual visits and personal calls. • Promote a sense of influence: Pro- viders gain a sense of influence when they feel they can deliver the quan- tity and quality of care their patients need. Optimize providers’ ability to perform at their best by creating adaptable space, such as flexible exam room layouts that support collabora- tive discussions with patients and family. Consult rooms with lounge furniture encourage further patient engagement, particularly for integrative behavioral health practices. Addition- Reasons to invest in health care employee retention Englewood | Steamboat Springs calconci.com | We Build: MEDICAL Middle Park Health Granby Clinic Addition Granby, CO Paul Stefanski, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP Health care studio director, EUA Please see Stefanski, Page 14 Providers gain a sense of influence when they feel they can deliver the quantity and quality of care their patients need. Optimize providers’ ability to perform at their best by creating adaptable space, such as flexible exam room layouts that support collab- orative discussions with patients and family. Sarah Moser, RA, NCARB, EDAC Project architect