A Rundown of the Higher Sickness Rates Among Care Workers vs. Other Professions
Healthcare Workers in the Nursing Sector More Prone to Illness Than Employees in Other Departments - Healthcare Personnel Particularly Nurses Experience Higher Illness Rates Compared to Professionals in Other Sectors
Ever wondered why the ol' nursing folks seem to catch a bug more often than their colleagues in other fields? Well, let's breakdown the reasons!
The Nitty-Gritty of the Health Sector
In a report from the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), it is revealed that nursing professionals in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern took a sick day, on average, 32.6 days last year. This figure is notably higher than the national average of 28.5 days and the overall average sickness leave of 24.6 days across all professions, according to TK's regional director, Manon Austenat-Wied.
Care work is known for its physically demanding nature. From lifting patients to providing emotional support, these tasks require tremendous effort. This constant drain on energy can lead to increased stress and fatigue, in turn upping the odds of landing a sick day.
The Germ-y Side of Care Work
These dedicated professionals also face more frequent exposure to infections. With close contact to patients who may be carrying contagious illnesses, care workers have a greater risk of developing infections.
Overtime Blues
Long working hours, including night shifts, are commonplace in care settings. These grueling schedules can disrupt sleep patterns and weaken the immune system, making our hardworking healthcare heroes more susceptible to catching a bug.
Smack-dab in the Emotional Trenches
The high-stress nature of care work, coupled with the emotionally challenging situations, such as dealing with the emotional needs of residents, puts care workers at risk for burnout. Burnout, as you might know, is linked to an increased sickness rate.
A Work Environment Under Strain
Resources, staffing, and workload are all factors that contribute to a challenging work environment in care settings. These conditions can lead to stress and health issues that play a role in higher sickness rates within the sector.
The TK's study analyzed sick leave certificates of over 103,000 insured workers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It's worth noting that a care labor shortage is already quite the issue in the region, with around 21,000 nursing staff tending to over 120,000 care recipients. The "Pact for Nursing," a recently initiated state initiative, aims to curb this shortage.
In light of the higher sickness rates among care workers, it could be beneficial to introduce community policies that prioritize mental health and wellness, providing resources for stress management and vocational training for effective coping strategies. Given the science behind the impact of stress on the immune system, ongoing vocational training in health-and-wellness, including mental health, could potentially reduce sick days among care workers, thereby improving overall workforce health.
