Table 5 Themes from open-text responses (n = 1,599)
From: Burnout among public health workers in Canada: a cross-sectional study
Theme | Category |
|---|---|
1. Forms of Harassment | ● Common types: name calling, yelling, and general rudeness. ● Other types: hate letters, death threats, gun violence, animal attacks, threat of lawsuits, unauthorized surveillance or recording, spat-on, having objects thrown, barricaded or locked-down at workplace from protestors. |
Reasons for Harassment | ● Public health mandates including vaccination mandates, travel restrictions, mask mandates, temporary school or business closures, quarantine and contact tracing measures during the pandemic. ● Lack of vaccine availability: difficulties booking appointments, availability of vaccines and preferred vaccine product type. |
Barriers to workplace safety | ● Harassment from the public ● Lack support from management and/or workplace bullying ● Poor training and increased workload ● Risk of COVID-19 exposure at the workplace from lack of social distancing or crowded spaces, poor ventilation and hygiene practices ● Contact with COVID-19 positive staff ● Inaccessibility to vaccines early on |
Facilitators to workplace safety | ● Remote work arrangements (e.g., work-from-home) ● Support from colleagues or management ● Clear and consistent communication within the workplace ● Increased security measures at workplace ● Adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) ● Increased cleaning/disinfecting measures ● Social distancing |
Types of workplace supports offered by employers | ● Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) ● Mental health programs (e.g., virtual coffee breaks, mental health webinars, apps or e-mental health tools, counseling services) ● Wellness programs ● Informal supports by colleagues or management ● Increased workplace benefits including additional paid sick leave ● Remote work arrangements ● Measures to prevent infections (e.g., PPE and hand sanitizer, onsite vaccinations, COVID-19 tests) ● Frequent check-ins and/or reassurance by management ● Staff appreciation events |
Motivating factors to continue working during the pandemic | ● Engaging with colleagues ● Social support networks (family and friends) ● Remote work arrangements ● Feeling that work was rewarding, impactful and significant ● Positive community feedback ● Faith and faith groups ● Compensation and job security |