Many workplace wellness initiatives, such as fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness programs, are often out of touch with employees' boundaries and realities, leading to discomfort, resentment, and even harm, especially when they intrude on personal topics like body image and dieting. These programs tend to shift responsibility for well-being onto employees while neglecting systemic issues like understaffing and unreasonable workloads, making them ineffective and sometimes counterproductive.
A new study published in JAMA reveals that health care workers in the United States, particularly registered nurses, health care support workers, and health technicians, face an increased risk of suicide compared to those in non-health care professions. The annual suicide rate among health care workers is estimated to be about 14 per 100,000 person-years. The study highlights the importance of addressing the mental health concerns and burnout experienced by health care workers, especially in light of the current staffing shortages and worker burnout in the industry. Experts emphasize the need for improved wellness programs and access to mental health treatment for health care workers.
