Public sector workers lose sleep over fear of letting people down
Almost half of respondents reported losing sleep because of worry about those depending on their support. About nine in 10 workers stated that their workload had grown over the past 12 months. Four in five revealed they were asked to do more with fewer resources, while 73% noted that staff who leave are often not replaced.
Despite severe operational pressure, more than eight in 10 workers (86%) said they still felt their work made a positive difference to people’s lives.
Personal stories gathered by Unison exposed the heavy emotional toll. A medical secretary, currently covering the workload of a six-person team with just one colleague, described being terrified of missing something that could alter a patient’s life. She said constant worry about patients and expanding waiting lists left her unable to sleep.
Similarly, a counsellor in midwifery and fertility services supporting women through IVF, pregnancy, baby loss, terminations, and menopause shared that the emotional burden could be overwhelming and often left her in tears, though helping women remained a privilege, she said.
Mark Hindle, managing director at Tunstall Healthcare, said it was “extremely concerning to hear that so many lose sleep worrying about those who depend on them.
“Caring is a vital role in our society, and the sector depends on its professionals feeling supported, valued and confident in their roles. Employers have a duty of care, and the sector as a whole will continue to face recruitment and retention challenges unless those on the front line of care feel fully supported to deliver high quality care.”
Hindle added that technology could play a role in improving matters by joining up services, information and support “to reduce the administrative burden and make it easier for teams to coordinate care”.
“By enabling a more preventative approach, well designed technology can help carer professionals identify changing needs and act earlier, easing pressure on teams and giving them more time to focus on what really matters – building human connections and providing the essential, person-centred care that people need.”
Source: https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/unison-survey-sleep-public-sector/
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