Nearly three out of five healthcare workers (59%) say that their mental health has worsened due to COVID-19, according to a recent KPMG survey. The pulse survey of around 1,000 workers, revealed that health workers in the US are suffering at least 8% more than other professionals in other industries (51%).
Despite the stresses in healthcare, the survey from the US audit, tax and advisory firm also found greater “connections, collaboration and higher quality work” among workers surveyed from the same sector.
“COVID-19 is a career defining event for many healthcare professionals, given the severity of the condition, the necessary protocols to prevent coronavirus from spreading, and that many have families at home that are dealing with the effects of social distancing,” stated Ashraf Shehata, National Sector Leader for healthcare and life sciences at KPMG.
INDUSTRY COMPARISONS
However, compared to professionals in other sectors, healthcare workers are significantly more likely not to be concerned about reduced pay (37% compared to 52% of other sectors), losing their job (43% compared to 56%), technology replacing their job (56% compared to 71%), and the future of their industry (44% compared to 62%).
“Healthcare workers tend to band together when times are difficult and deliver upon the task at hand, which is providing the highest quality care to the best of their abilities,” added Shehata. “The best healthcare organisations pride themselves on creating a great place to work, because they realise that an appreciated worker is valuable to providing the best patient experience.”
ADDITIONAL FINDINGS
The survey also found that:
- 59% of healthcare workers report their mental health has worsened.
- Two thirds of healthcare workers say their level of engagement with their supervisor/team (66%) and co-worker relationships have improved (66%).
- 70% of healthcare workers report their quality of work has improved, only 56% say their level of productivity has improved.
- Over half (57%) of healthcare workers say their level of engagement with company culture has improved.
- Half (54%) of healthcare workers say their work/life balance has improved.
- Three-quarters (76%) of healthcare workers report that their team is collaborating better.
Click here for more information about the survey.
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