Does work-life balance exist in healthcare industry? Doctors say this
2 min read 18 May 2023, 09:25 AM ISTWorking in the healthcare industry is a fulfilling career path for many people, while it is only known for long work hours, demanding schedules, and zero work-life balance.
PremiumWorking in the healthcare industry is a fulfilling career path for many people, while it is only known for long work hours, demanding schedules, and zero work-life balance. However, maintaining balance with home life is important for all, even medical professionals too.
The growing technology has made it easier for doctors to plan and manage their work in a much more efficient manner. Experts have shared their opinions on ‘Does work-life balance exist in the healthcare sector’ with Livemint.
1) Dr. Anusha GP, Consultant - Reproductive Medicine, MSR, Bengaluru
With extended hours and very little rest, one often finds it difficult to remain focused and the risk of nervous exhaustion and stress increases. Therefore, flexible working arrangements are important for ensuring optimum performance, Dr. Anusha said.
However, there are some industries fraught with rigid schedules, intense circumstances, and less control over one’s time. “As a gynecologist, I can attest that my profession falls in this category."
She stated that there is little to no flexibility in her professional life as phone calls never end, and consultations can go on forever. “One of the reasons for our hectic lives is the danger associated with the unavailability of medical care when necessary."
According to her, there are some measures that could help those in the medical sector like a shift arrangement that allows the healthcare professionals to divide work and share responsibilities along with some empathy from patients and their families.
“I must say that as traditional work is becoming a rarity, I see that change is taking place and it is better than what it used to be, but we have a long way to go, and I am hopeful we will get there."
2) Shivangi Tiwari, General Manager, Tattvan E Clinics
Traditionally, the term healthcare was synonymous with hospital set-ups which meant hustling, sleepless nights, 12+ hours shift, and lack of work-life balance. Today that's not the case, we do have long shifts for nurses and doctors and the hospitals are busier than ever but the term "healthcare" is no more synonym the doctors and hospitals alone, Tiwari expressed.
She said that it is an industry in itself today, more structured, more diverse, and with more opportunities with a much better work-life balance which is possible primarily because of the technological intervention that has made it easier for people to manage and plan their work in a much more efficient manner.
Today, healthcare is at a very exciting transitional phase where technology is helping reduce a lot of manual labor, thus, assisting people to save and manage time much more productively whether it is the introduction of more sophisticated research tools allowing researchers to complete their tedious research work in comparatively less duration or advent of telemedicine allowing doctors to have access to their patients without having to rush to the clinic every single time they plan to take some family time, she added.
Tiwari asserted that the future of the healthcare sector most certainly looks much more balanced.
3) Shilpa Ramdurg, Head HR, Quantumzyme
“Healthcare is an intellectually driven industry. Availability on a need basis comes without saying. Flexibility is not just a perk, it's a necessity where work-life balance is critical to providing quality patient care. By embracing flexible schedules and remote work options, healthcare professionals can achieve a healthier balance between their personal and professional lives," she said.
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