With the coronavirus wreaking havoc with the health care system in the U.S. and the world, the environment in which health care professionals must work has become more uncertain than ever. In fact, many health care workers have become unhappy in their jobs, which leads to issues everywhere: the hospitals or care facilities, the patients, administrators, everybody. However, creating a supportive and soothing work environment for health care professionals can help them feel comforted and happy with their employment.

1. Create an Attractive and Comfortable Work Environment

One crucial factor that can help create a supportive work environment for health care professionals is having a pleasing and comfortable workspace. This means things like having well-stocked break rooms, comfortable Hospital Furniture, tasteful décor, and other amenities, too. It’s essential to have a break room with lots of comfy chairs and couches because many health care workers are on their feet most of their shift, if not all of it. Having a pleasing work environment leads to less stress and more comfort for employees means a more supportive and hassle-free workplace.

2. Offer Flexible Work Hours

Offering a flexible work schedule for healthcare professionals with families is very important. Whether it’s family life obligations, schooling, or just personal commitments, having a strict schedule can be inconvenient and stressful for many people. Many health care professionals are women, and many of them have families, too. With flexible work scheduling, a woman is more likely to stay employed at a job where she can pick her kids up on school days or choose her own work hours based on her familial obligations.

3. Job Security

One of the most essential parts of making a health professional feel comfortable and supported in their job is knowing they have job security. In fact, factors that relate to making employees leave their job include low pay, limited career advancement, poor working conditions, unsafe workplace, and feeling like their job is in jeopardy. Job satisfaction goes hand in hand with job security because no employee would ever feel committed to a job that they weren’t sure they could keep.

4. Provide Protection from Occupational Hazards

Occupational hazards are an unfortunate part of life in the healthcare industry. In fact, the health care sector is perceived to be one of the most dangerous. In fact, a study in 2005 showed that nearly 40% of health workers in Europe felt their job harmed their health. Now flash forward to 2021 with the pandemic creating even more strife-;you can easily imagine how that number would increase exponentially. Several factors put employees at risk, including:

· Chemical risks from disinfectants or certain drugs

· Biological risks from sharps injuries or pathogens

· Physical risks from excessive standing or walking

· Psychological risks from patient violence or stress

5. Create a Family-Friendly Work Environment

One of the most important parts of creating a soothing and supportive environment is offering family-friendly work environments. This includes things like in-house daycare services, maternity/paternity leave, FMLA or medical leave for sick child/family members, the right to reduced working hours, and workplace counselors. Having these amenities and policies in place also goes a long way towards making employees feel secure and satisfied in their jobs.

Create a Supportive and Comfortable Work Environment

The pandemic has undeniably changed the face of the healthcare industry and professions. However, there are ways to avoid high staff turnover and unsatisfied employees. These five tips go a long way towards creating a family-friendly workspace with the option for flexible hours that also minimizes risk to employees. These factors are significant for health care employees, which are the backbone of every community and more valuable than ever in these uncertain times.