Why we need to reimagine frontline work to change burnout culture | Dzifa Afonu | TEDxLondonWomen
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มี.ค. 2021
- Healthcare, social workers and other frontline workers are exhausted - in fact social workers are likely to burn out just eight years into their careers. The Covid-19 pandemic made us more aware than ever of our frontline workers and how much they do to care and protect people. Yet, clinical psychologist, Dzifa Afonu, explains that even if frontline workers give everything in their power, the systems within which they operate are broken. Our health and care systems fail to successfully care for both vulnerable people and frontline workers. In fact, our models of care are based on strict boundaries between the helper and the helped - these models, Dzifa points out, are simply not true. Instead, Dzifa proposes a new model of care that recognises how human beings are profoundly interdependent species where learning to give and accept help may finally start ending burnout culture.
Dzifa is a clinical psychologist and is currently based in the children and adolescent mental health service. They have over 9 years experience working in the NHS and over 20 years of experience working in the charity sector with marginalised people. They are passionate about supporting frontline workers and their mental health. Their approach to their work incorporates and champions decolonial and healing justice values, which centres both personal and collective self-care. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
- Heroes ask for help when they need it.
- Heroes fight for more just systems that fully resource those that need support.
- Heroes take time off.
- Heroes prioritize rest, healing, and resourcing themselves.
- Heroes don't have to strive alone; they are surrounded by communities that value them and the work they do.
- There are heroics in giving and receiving care.
It amazes me that workers we rely on the most, like our frontline Saints - get the worst salary, the worst working conditions. Surely we can do better.
The stuff she says about where the term 'frontline' comes from really speaks volumes on its own.
I must pass this on. Thank you Dzifa.
Every one should have to work on the frontline - customer service, emergency services, ANYTHING so that the entitled were humbled and what is needed was provided to help our most precious workers.
I hope that the last couple of years has taught us how important our frontline workers are and that they deserve so much more than what they get.
Many people know this, but do they KNOW it? Without these workers, many of us and or loved ones would be lost. We need to pay attention to this.
She's absolutely right about the way this pandemic highlighted just how flawed some of our systems are.
you bet Dzifa, I am constantly doing what I can for my friends in the care industries in hopes I can give them the rest they need
I find it really interesting that people who are naturally empathetic become social workers, it is such an emotionally charged environment I just couldn't imagine doing that kind of thing and not becoming emotionally involved.
wear you down for sure man.
"The boundary between the helper and helped is fluid and temporary" 💯👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Many many points made!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
so true!
Agreed.
I don't know what it's like in the states but here in AUS it really just comes down to those sectors being underfunded. If there were adequate resources and staff then people wouldn't have to stretch themselves so thin.
I always wanted to be in a position that helped people, care services, child care - whatever, I just wanted to help! But then I noticed that there was absolutely no time for self-care. Couldn't agree more with Dzifa, we need to seriously think about how those who are doing the most work and are being treated and discouraged.
Yup, keeping people tired is an amazing way of holding them down, and what better way to perpetuate the soul-crushing environment that people in need are put in than to wear down those who genuinely want to help?
There are so many factors that need to be reimagined!
from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU, thank you for opening up this conversation for those of us who worry if we do we will lose our jobs.
So relieved to see someone talking about this issue.
What a legend for putting this out there. Very much appreciated.
I think even before the pandemic there was such a need to look at all this stuff, I've not had a job in the care industry since before then but I hate to think how bad things are now.
It's so true, so many of our systems are just broken. Or rather they never really worked to begin with. Social work/mental health care in particular need a massive overhaul in terms of processes.
Truth! We can't keep doing what we are doing and expect that we can do a good job not just for those who we serve, but for ourselves.
I love her accent, watching this in the USA makes me wish we had a softer tone like she does.
Yes, these are the pillars of our communities, and too often the least paid.
The stuff she says around the 5:30 mark is SO important, and definitely something I've been guilty of forgetting in the past.
Let’s put the humanity back into the care industry
Very cool to see someone putting all of this out there, this awareness is definitely needed!
True!
I've heard some really awful stuff about the way POC are treated in these kinds of systems, both the workers and those seeking help. Definitely time for a reimagining.
I wish we had been tackling these issues so long ago, it's people like Adam and Dzifa we need to be looking after now more than ever!
Gosh I love this talk, there are so many important concepts within this.
This is so true, I don't think people realise how emotionally fraught social workers really are.
Yet so many really want to make a difference. Its really a sad situation.
Everyone is burnt out. It's getting more and more rare for people to have a job that they enjoy doing, make enough money from to survive, AND get that sense of accomplishment we as humans crave. I can't begin to imagine how much those on the frontline are struggling to maintain their passion for helping people when they are some of the most overworked and underpaid professionals in any industry.
It's hilarious and sad when we get a new RN in. Always peppy and full of life and excited. Never more than 2 weeks before they're jaded.
With you all the way Dzifa 💪💪
Vital messages, especially in our new world. Thank you Dzifa
Your welcome @makeitso. Yes feels still so current these issues.
I have a few friends who became social workers and were burnt out even before they finished their work placement training. It's a rough job and I don't think any amount of education can properly prepare you for what's involved.
Good on you Dzifa. So many are working tirelessly to keep attend to their communities needs but we really have seen how little thought is put to those who are willing to sacrifice so much.
I think this approach would be so beneficial Dzifa, a lot of the time the person who needs help has the best understanding of what's wrong with them, but 'the rules' in place mean you have to go through that process of diagnosing them which isn't really empowering is it?
This is....... "that process of diagnosing them....." the heart of the matter. The "patient" or "consumer" needs to be in control. It's their life.
This speech deserves more views. Really important stuff for everyone to be aware of.
Couldn't agree more, sharing right away.
I have worked in the disability sector for years- burnout is an unspoken expected part of the job. If you aren’t going above and beyond your pay grade, you re aren’t doing your job. Even worse, if you aren’t doing this you CAN’T do your job.
Its such a shame that this culture is supported by these unspoken expectations of workers.
Everyone I know that is in the care industry - needs a carer themselves, just to keep up with basic things.
Burnout is everywhere.... it's almost like our modern lifestyles have been designed to not suit the things we're craving on an energetic/spiritual level!
Yup- had a workplace incident or show signs of mental fatigue? Here is the EAP number. Box ticked. There is not enough real support
As long as upper management are calling the shots for those who are on the ground - burn out will continue to exist - lack of resources, lack of compassion, lack of funding and lack of understanding.
It's so difficult watching the new recruits come in and how quickly they realise what they'll be dealing with.. It shouldn't be this way.
its sad, so sad for them.
TRUTH.
Take your assigned leave, work your rostered hours- no more without appropriate overtime pay. Frontline workers burn out because they keep the system running on their sweat and tears. If we all put in boundaries, those pulling purse strings will have no choice but to use funding appropriately with workers well-being in mind because business will crumble otherwise.
I think it would be so hard to be a social worker. How do you care enough to help but still set those boundaries and not become emotionally involved?
People really need support to be able to do this. Support from the power structures that manage them and support from community and maybe even one to one support, therapy or supervision. I do believe it can be done though.
Now that the pandemic is yesterdays news (but it's still here) how many front line workers are being ignored again and still.
👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
My aunt works at Walmart, she was right there facing people every day through this, and you think she was given a mask or any help or even more money from the company - nope.
The imbalance between the profit grabbers and the grunt workers is vast and it is going to create an issue that will lead to chaos beyond what this world has ever seen.
People are leaving these sectors left right and centre. How much longer can those who want to help be underpaid, underappreciated and without any time for themselves?
I saw a story where nurses were going on strike after being offered less than 1% raise, absurd!!!
Will private hospitals and governments remember the sacrifice nurses made during COVID when it comes to negotiating fair wages for them in the future?
I do hope so @suehawke
Adam's story could be used in so many different sectors that are considered front line. This really can't be the way we keep doing things.
first!
Call me cynical but honestly, the system is designed this way... why would the people in power care about making it easy for the basic human needs of disenfranchised people to be met? Think of what it could lead to if those people didn't have to struggle just to live.