Americans are some of the most stressed people in the world, according to studies. Many factors contribute to stress, and managing them can be challenging. As pharmacists are pulled in many directions throughout the day, and this, coupled with increasing workload demands, creates a high-stress environment. In today’s blog, we will discuss the main causes of pharmacists’ stress and practical ways to mitigate them.
Top factors leading to stress
For many Americans, the biggest stressors include:
- Their job
- Finances
- Health concerns
- Family responsibilities
- Their family’s health
Additional stressors for pharmacists include:
- High workloads
- Long working hours
- Staffing shortages
- Dealing with difficult patients
- Managing complex medication administration
Mitigating stress in the pharmacy
Your pharmacy team needs more support than ever before. Helping them manage their time and stress effectively can significantly improve both workplace and personal well-being.
Time management tips
- Track the time required for daily tasks to set realistic workload expectations.
- Plan each day by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
- Delegate non-urgent tasks whenever possible.
Stress management tips
Beyond time management, stress relief strategies can improve both productivity and overall well-being. The CDC recommends the following:
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- Limit exposure to news and social media that may cause stress.
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and avoid drugs and alcohol.
- Get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly.
- Make time for self-care activities such as connecting with friends and family or reading.
- Talk to trusted colleagues or professionals if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Managing Pharmacist Stress
Optimizing efficiency in your pharmacy workflow can streamline repetitive tasks, reduce distractions, and prevent burnout. Implementing the right technology can make a significant difference.
Tools to Reduce Pharmacy Workload & Burnout
Interactive Voice Response (IVR): Reduce time spent on the phone by automating prescription refills and pick-up reminders. Leveraging an IVR enables you to provide essential pharmacy information and self-service options to assist patients – even when your pharmacy is closed.
Two-way messaging: Streamline patient communication with HIPAA-compliant, two-way messaging. This feature allows your team to communicate on non-urgent matters at times that are convenient for them, reducing the number of calls they have to handle while also answering patients’ questions quickly and efficiently.
Appointment Schedulers: Reduce administrative workload by enabling patients to book vaccinations and consultations online using an online appointment scheduler, freeing up staff for more critical tasks and allowing them to give their full focus to the patient in front of them.
Task Managers: Empower your team with a task management system to help them stay organized and track their tasks efficiently, ensuring smoother workflows and reducing stress related to miscommunication or forgotten responsibilities.
In conclusion…
With growing workload demands and limited time to manage them, pharmacists face increasing stress in the workplace. However, by implementing effective time management strategies and leveraging technology to streamline workflows, pharmacies can create a healthier and more balanced work environment. Taking proactive steps to reduce stressors will not only improve workplace well-being but also enhance patient care.
Ready to give your team the tools they (and your patients) need?
Learn how our easy-to-use Patient Relationship Management Platform can reduce your team’s workload and mitigate stress.
