Creating a culture of connection: Combating isolation and loneliness in the healthcare workforce

No one goes into healthcare unless he or she wants to care for people, but often we care so much for others that it is difficult to accept care for ourselves. Add to this the fact that there is still a stigma attached to seeking mental support; and in rural hospitals it can be especially difficult because resources are limited. Even in the rare cases where multiple locations are available, health insurance may require those suffering to ask for help from the coworkers they see every day.

As a healthcare leader, I support fourteen facilities in six states. The majority are in rural areas, many of which are critical access hospitals (CAHs). When I visited many of the facilities in 2023, I saw amazing clinical work. However, both my HR partner and I heard endless stories about how many team members were struggling with issues at home. Several members of the team were caring for aging parents and children, and many were struggling with their own mental health for other reasons. Even though they were surrounded by people all day, the common theme was that they felt completely alone.

I started doing some research and discovered that Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, has declared that loneliness is an epidemic in our country. In his 2023 study “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” he found that about 50% of adults experience loneliness. At the time, I was managing 6,000 employees, which means it was more than likely that 3,000 people felt alone, even though they were surrounded by people who may have been going through similar problems. I realized that as a leader I needed to consciously focus on creating cultures of connection.

In March 2024, the region’s HR leader and I hosted a panel discussion for Women’s History Month, focusing on life’s struggles. We thought if ten people showed up we would have a success. More than 200 people participated virtually and the conversation was fascinating and extremely emotional. During the 30-minute session, my co-coordinator and I shared our personal stories, creating a safe space for attendees to share their own stories, in addition to sharing helpful resources and strategies. Comments received after the session included:

• “Thank you so much for sharing. It’s great to hear the real journeys some of our strongest leaders have taken.”
• “Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability in bringing such an important conversation to light. I feel connected and so hopeful for where this will all lead us.”
• “Those who are saddest are the best at being happy on the outside.”

We have continued these 30-minute sessions, which have a different focus each month (suggested by the participants). Team members have found a place where they can be vulnerable, share what help they need, and see where their colleagues are struggling.

We also discovered that it takes three things to make the work worthwhile:

• High-level leaders need to get things moving by sharing their own stories. It may seem strange for a leader to show vulnerability, but it was and is my responsibility as a leader to show that we all have struggles.
• Be clear about the why. Keeping meetings short and focused helps busy people know that these meetings are worthwhile.
• Allow others to participate and even customize the program as they see fit, whether that means suggesting topics; starting small, personal groups; or suggest other ideas that will best serve their team. Leadership can’t do everything, so find people with the same passion and trust them to lead.

As in our society as a whole, it is clear that in the microcosm of our healthcare facilities there is a real need for connection. Helping people feel seen and connected to others is a crucial step in achieving our ultimate goal: not one more suicide in healthcare. Creating a culture where team members know that colleagues—whether it’s the high-level executive or the colleague next to them in the lunchroom—really care about them is the key to sharing the burden that no one can carry alone.

Margo Karsten is president of Banner Health’s Western Region and a member of the AHA Policy Council for Region 8.