Frustration, stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout may impact employee motivation and are byproducts of the many challenges that the behavioral health workforce must face. Staff members are required to upgrade and refresh knowledge to meet changing client and government demands; they deal with a complex, stigmatized client populations. Many have difficult working conditions, ranging from heavy caseloads to community indifference and budgetary restraints^[1]. Solutions to help clients or the community are not always obvious or easy to obtain, resources continue to be depleted or removed, and staff may feel dissatisfied with accomplishments.

 

This Web portal’s recruitment and retention materials offer information, resources, and tools on the related topics of employee frustration, the impact of stress, and compassion fatigue/burnout. These resources are discussed in relation to the behavioral health field and offer support for the employers and employees of behavioral health organizations:

 

Introduction to the Frustrated Employee [2.10.1.0] offers insight into what a “frustrated employee” is and provides key strategies and resources to reduce frustration and retain staff.

 

The Impact of Stress on Retention [2.10.2.0] provides strategies and resources to help both the employer/organization and individuals lessen the impact of stress.

 

Compassion Fatigue and Burnout [2.10.3.0] provides insight into compassion fatigue – what it is, how to spot it and treat it. It explains the difference between stress and burnout, the phases and how it is measures. This section also has extensive wellness information useful for the behavioral health workforce. 

 

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