Gender disparities suggest women, particularly those with young children, will have a harder time achieving work–life balance.
The literature is sparse about burnout in rheumatologists, but the studies are consistent, Dr. Yazdany said. Identified causes of burnout include bureaucratic tasks, long hours, electronic medical records, insufficient compensation and lack of autonomy on the job.2
The next generation of medical residents (i.e., Gen Z, individuals born after 1996) may arrive with a new set of expectations about work–life engagement, such as awareness, resources and support for mental health issues; and the need for greater flexibility in their jobs and hours, Dr. Marvin said.
Appreciative Inquiry & Essentialism
Dr. Yazdany recommended two tools to help rheumatologists and their programs support better work–life integration: appreciative inquiry and essentialism.
In The Thin Book of Appreciative Inquiry, author and change management consultant Sue Annis Hammond proposes an organizational change philosophy called appreciative inquiry, which identifies and builds on strengths within an organization to foster positive change, rather than a deficit-based analysis emphasizing its gaps and deficiencies.3
Appreciative inquiry assumes that whatever you want more of likely already exists within the organization. The individual can ask questions, such as:
- Can you name something that went well today?
- What was a recent success at work?
- What makes you proud to work here? and
- Have you noticed a colleague who has gone above and beyond this week?
In Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Yes, author Greg McKeown promotes the relentless pursuit of less but better, with a recognition that few things in our lives are truly essential.4 It is better to repeatedly ask:
- Am I investing in the right activities?
- How can I get the right things done rather than get more done? and
- What do I care about the most?
But Dr. Yazdany acknowledged this focus can be challenging to maintain without self-discipline and a plan, as well as continuous reevaluation.
Dare to say no—firmly, resolutely and gracefully—to requested activities and commitments that don’t align with your identified priorities, Dr. Yazdany noted. Learn to say, “Thank you so much, but my dinner plate is so full right now.”
This approach may be harder for residents and other medical trainees, who feel they must answer to the demands of their programs and teachers. Perhaps a mentor can help the trainee find a way to navigate these demands.
“I agree that we ask doctors to do the impossible, although I also agree we have made some progress,” Dr. Yazdany said. She thinks we need workplace policies similar to those of Sweden’s or Canada’s, which allow new parents to spend more time with their infant children without career consequences.
