Burnout among NHS, private, and social care and healthcare staff has reached a critical level, MPs have warned. The situation is described as 'fragile', with research showing how heavy workloads, long shifts, and emotional strain are taking a toll on the personal lives and well-being of workers.
Physical and mental health issues such as cardiovascular disease, depression, and obesity are on the rise. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) reported a shortage of 50,000 NHS nurses, and that is still the case with only a third of shifts having enough nurses on duty.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists cited staffing shortages as the main cause of burnout across mental health services.
Since Covid, new research from the IPPR Think Tank has revealed worrying statistics:
- 330,000 healthcare workers are more likely to leave the NHS.
- 49% worked understaffed shifts on a weekly basis.
- 49% felt unable to deliver the level of care they aspired to.
- 67% reported weekly mental exhaustion.
- 23% turned to alcohol or drugs to cope with stress.
In the private and social care sector, the situation mirrors the NHS. According to Skills for Care, an average of 8.3% of social care roles are vacant, equating to approximately 131,000 vacancies.
Symptoms of Burnout in Social Care and Healthcare
Symptoms of burnout in social care and healthcare workers often appear as a combination of physical, emotional, and mental signs. These include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Frequent illness and poor sleep
- Emotional detachment or cynicism
- Reduced sense of achievement
- Difficulty concentrating and irritability
- Feelings of being overwhelmed
Early recognition is crucial. Tackling these symptoms promptly can prevent long-term health issues and support wellbeing among health and social care professionals.
Common Causes of Burnout in Healthcare and Social Care
For those working in the healthcare and social care sector, long 12-hour shifts, under-resourcing, and unsociable hours can create the perfect storm for burnout.
Many professionals struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially with care settings operating 24/7, including holidays.
Other frequently reported causes include:
- Lack of support from management
- Excessive bureaucracy and politics
- Limited opportunities for development
- Low job satisfaction or sense of fulfilment
- Pay and holiday disparities
These challenges often motivate professionals to explore agency work as a more flexible and supportive career path. At Vetro, we hear these reasons regularly from individuals transitioning from full-time employment in the NHS or care homes.
Is It Time for a Change?
Fear of the unknown, financial pressures, and loyalty often keep people in roles that no longer serve their mental or physical well-being. Yet many who move to agency healthcare and social care work express relief and wonder why they waited so long.
In online forums for agency nurses and healthcare assistants, many share that they would never go back to direct employment. While the work in social care and healthcare is always demanding, agency roles can alleviate many of the pressures that contribute to burnout.
Addressing NHS Burnout and Beyond
Although the government has increased its focus on burnout post-Covid, the issue has existed for years. The pandemic simply intensified an already unsustainable situation. Recovery will take time, and systemic changes are needed to improve conditions for NHS, private, and social care staff.
In the meantime, workers must take control of their own well-being. Moving into agency healthcare and social care roles can be the first step toward restoring balance, passion, and energy.
Benefits of Agency Healthcare and Social Care Work with Vetro
At Vetro Recruitment, we prioritise the well-being of our workers. Here's how we help reduce burnout for our agency staff:
- Flexible shifts: Work when and where it suits you.
- Excellent pay rates
- Exposure to diverse roles and settings
- Holiday pay and contributory pension
- Ad-hoc or block bookings across NHS and private hospitals
- Comprehensive free online training
- 24/7 support from our Health & Social Care team
- Instant access to shifts through the Vetro Mobile App
- Monthly rewards and £500 Golden Ticket prize draw
- Up to £250 in vouchers for referrals
If you're working in healthcare or social care and feeling the effects of burnout, agency work might be the fresh start you need.