Women with careers in the healthcare industry often carry the workload of two jobs while caregiving at home for their children, elderly family, or other family members. This can lead to professional and financial penalties such as reduced promotions and a decrease in income. Not to mention the mental burnout and stress that goes along with full-time jobs.
Currently, women earn about 75 to 80 cents for every dollar earned by men. The conversation about the Wage Gap goes back decades, with the gap substantially narrowing after the Equal Pay Act in 1963. Women in healthcare industries can earn less than their childless counterparts and fathers. In butterfly effect fashion, this can lead to hindered pay raises, promotions, and ultimately their financial healthiness.
At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was an increase of women exiting their careers to assume full-time caregiving responsibilities for their loved ones. This pause led to a significant struggle for those attempting to return to the workplace.
Make use of the paid family leave policies if your work organization allows. There are resources for elder care support programs, such as in-home care companies like Generations Home Care, Signature Home Care, and Visiting Angels, to name a few. There are adult day cares at retirement communities and senior centers that allow for respites for not just the loved one but for the caregiver as well. Respite Care can also be an option at a retirement community. Reaching out to your local retirement community to see what they offer can only benefit you.
The top-down model in the workplace. Many women are in leadership roles and sharing a women-forward culture can begin at the top. Positive reinforcement and understanding toward staff can significantly boost feelings of belonging. Leaders can combat mental burnout and empower professional thriving and psychological safety.
You don’t have to be in the healthcare industry to experience mental burnout, but these tips may help combat the symptoms you may be feeling.
Know that is okay to seek support from support groups, family and friends, and professional support such as psychiatrists and psychologists. Your work organization may even have these support group options available to you. You don’t have to navigate burnout alone.
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