Workplace stress in Zimbabwe’s medical sector is a significant issue that has far-reaching implications for both healthcare professionals and the overall healthcare system.
According to Industrial Psychology Consultants (2014), stress affects approximately 15-25% of workers worldwide. This means that Zimbabwe’s healthcare workers are not spared stress because they are involved in daily affairs at the workplace, even during the holidays.
Stress is any shift that leads to Physical, emotional, and psychological stress. At the global level, stress is not considered a novel phenomenon because most studies tracked back the roots of stress to our historical designs. Hans Selye described it as a complex phenomenon in 1973.
Zimbabwean public health practitioners face work-related stress, which can appear in numerous ways. Employees absented themselves from work for many reasons, including illness, weariness, and sentiments of ineffectiveness.
Stress can cause headaches, exhaustion, and difficulty completing work responsibilities, decreased motivation, and lack of purpose. All these signs indicate stress. According to Baron (1992), stress can cause heart racing, high blood pressure, perspiration, and reduced susceptibility to disease. The causes of workplace stress in this sector are varied and impactful. One major factor is the high workload that medical professionals face on a daily basis. Due to staff shortages, these professionals often find themselves overwhelmed with an excessive number of patients to care for.
This not only puts a strain on their physical and mental well-being but also hinders their ability to provide effective patient care. Zimbabwe is experiencing a major wave of brain drain as people eave in search of greener pastures.
Between September 2022 and September 2023, some 21,130 Zimbabweans were given visas to work in the UK, many of those being nurses and care workers, according to that country’s Home Office data.
Long waits are common at Zimbabwean public hospitals, particularly at government institutions where patients spend nearly the entire day in a wait without being serve while others may leave without receiving the service they expected, let alone the services of a doctor.
This alone shows that Zimbabwean public hospitals are understaffed, notwithstanding the freezing of positions in the Ministry of Health, which employs physicians. Those days those who complete their training in a variety of health professions, from nurses to laboratory technicians, are denied certificates, preventing them from migrating to other countries where they could be employed. Most Zimbabwean health professionals spend more time at work than on any other single recreational activity.
Another cause of stress in the medical sector in Zimbabwe is the resource constraints that healthcare professionals face. Limited access to medical supplies and equipment can severely hinder their ability to deliver the necessary level of care to their patients. This has often created a sense of frustration and helplessness among these professionals, further contributing to their overall stress levels.
Additionally, the long working hours that medical professionals are required to put in also contribute significantly to their stress levels. Extended shifts and on-call duties not only lead to physical fatigue but also take a toll on their mental well-being. The constant pressure to perform at a high level for extended periods of time can be emotionally draining and lead to burnout.
Speaking of burnout, this is a major consequence of workplace stress in the medical sector. Chronic stress can lead to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, all of which are key components of burnout. This not only affects the well-being of healthcare professionals but also has a negative impact on the quality of patient care.
Furthermore, workplace stress in this sector also has a significant impact on the mental health of healthcare professionals. The increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders is a direct result of the stressful working conditions they face. This not only affects their personal well-being but also their ability to provide quality care to their patients.
In addition to the personal toll it takes on healthcare professionals, workplace stress also has broader implications for the healthcare system as a whole. One major impact is on the quality of care provided. Stress can impair decision-making abilities and reduce the overall quality of patient care. This can have serious consequences for patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Moreover, workplace stress also poses a risk to patient safety. The increased likelihood of errors and accidents due to fatigue and lack of focus can compromise the well-being of patients. This is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of those seeking medical care.
Experts argue that the financial implications of workplace stress in the medical sector cannot be ignored. High turnover rates, which are often a result of stressful working conditions, can lead to increased recruitment and training costs for healthcare institutions. Additionally, absenteeism due to stress-related issues can further strain the healthcare system and increase costs.
To mitigate the negative effects of workplace stress, several strategies can be implemented. One such strategy is the establishment of support systems for healthcare professionals. This can involve implementing mental health support and counseling services to help them cope with the stress they face on a daily basis.
Another important strategy is workload management. Hiring additional staff and optimizing work schedules can help reduce the individual burdens placed on healthcare professionals. This can alleviate some of the stress they face and improve their overall well-being.
Additionally, ensuring adequate resource allocation is crucial in addressing workplace stress. Having a sufficient supply of medical resources and equipment is essential for healthcare professionals to deliver quality care. This can help alleviate some of the frustrations and stress associated with resource constraints.
Lastly, policy interventions at both the government and institutional levels are necessary to address the systemic issues contributing to workplace stress. This can involve implementing policies that promote work-life balance, address staff shortages, and improve overall working conditions.
In conclusion, addressing workplace stress in Zimbabwe’s medical and allied sector requires a multi-faceted approach involving healthcare institutions, government policies, and community support.
By prioritizing the well-being of healthcare professionals and ensuring the effective functioning of the healthcare system, steps can be taken to mitigate the negative effects of workplace stress and create a healthier and more sustainable work environment.