This little checklist of questions for assessing employee burnout was written for people in information technology (IT), but I think it applies to healthcare workers as well. It’s especially relevant in light of the post I made earlier today about sick leave during a bird flu pandemic.

• Does anyone in your department look and act like they are living on autopilot? Look in the mirror, do you?
• Have members of your staff come to work even while they were sick within the last month? Do you drag your ailing body into the office when you’re under the weather?
• Are there people in your group that are expected to be on-call regularly in addition to their regular day of work? Is that person you?
• Have people in your group been checking e-mail or voicemail during their vacations? Have you?

I probably score two yeses out of four while my husband scores a solid four. What about you?

IT Management gives more tips on how to improve employee welfare by simplifying, disconnecting, and changing perspectives.