How to combat loneliness in the healthcare sector

Loneliness can occur when someone is feeling socially isolated, excluded, or misunderstood. Unfortunately, loneliness is a huge public health challenge and is something that many people experience daily, including NHS staff, healthcare workers, and their patients.

Long-term loneliness can have a huge impact on physical and mental health, with some studies suggesting it can increase the likelihood of early death by as much as 26%.  

It is therefore vital that healthcare workers and nurses across all settings can recognise the telltale signs of loneliness, both in their patients and co-workers, and that they are suitably skilled with the knowledge and resources to offer the best support and treatment possible.

Bearing this in mind, the patient safety and compliance experts at Radar Healthcare have compiled a list of some of the different yet vital ways those working in the healthcare sector can look to combat loneliness within themselves and their peers.

1. Larger break rooms for enhanced communication

Offering healthcare workers a larger space for enhanced communication will allow those working unsociable and long hours together the space to communicate and unwind while having breaks from work.

It is also beneficial if break rooms have access to windows that can be opened in order to let fresh air and sunlight in during long and overnight shifts. 

2. Supportive and comfortable spaces

As well as providing larger break rooms, it is also important for healthcare workers to have additional spaces that contain access to comfortable furniture, relaxing lighting, or views of the outside world. 

These comfortable environments will provide more of a relaxing zone for healthcare workers to unwind and where healthcare professionals can provide emotional support to one another. 

3. Plants

Studies have indicated that biophilic design (the presence of indoor plants) can improve concentration and productivity (by up to 15%), reduce stress levels, and boost your mood. This is why healthcare professionals should implement lots of greenery into their social spaces whilst at work in order to enhance their mood and reduce stress whilst taking a break from their busy and often long working hours. 

4. Outside eating areas

It is important that healthcare professionals make the most of their breaks away from work in order to recharge and relax before continuing on in a stressful environment. One way healthcare workers can combat loneliness and improve their social interactions whilst in a working environment is to spend more time socialising outdoors. 

Eating a meal or having a picnic outside with co-workers is a beneficial way to take in the much-needed fresh air and also remove themselves from the normal work setting. 

How technology can help: 

Radar Healthcare’s quality and compliance software supports healthcare organisations to promote a balanced and positive approach to working.

Manage compliments, not just complaints

Boosting staff morale is essential for building a solid and happy workforce. Radar Healthcare’s software allows healthcare organisations to log or track all types of events, including compliments and positive feedback, to see the measurable impact an individual has on your team. 

Workforce compliance: invest in your employees

Fewer than half (44%) of NHS staff in England report that their employer takes positive action on health and wellbeing. Maintaining and tracking records of workers’ training, appraisals and compliance requirements actively show that an organisation values and supports its workers. 

In addition, storing this information in a single system ensures that your workforce is well informed, reduces errors and duplication, and encourages better communication.