Busyness is not a badge of honour in our NHS

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, it's easy to fall into the trap of equating busyness with productivity and self-worth. As a clinical leader, I often find myself juggling countless responsibilities, feeling like I'm constantly on the verge of dropping the ball. The pressure to make positive changes, coupled with the lack of time, funding, and resources, can be overwhelming.

I recall a period when I was particularly swamped with work. I was leading multiple projects, attending back-to-back meetings, and trying to support my team through a challenging transition. I thought I could handle it all, but as the weeks went by, I found myself becoming increasingly exhausted and irritable. I was snapping at my family and making careless mistakes—behaviours that I deeply regretted.

It was a wake-up call for me. I realised that my busyness was not a badge of honour but rather a hindrance to my well-being and effectiveness. I was so focused on ticking off tasks and proving my worth that I had neglected to take care of myself and my team.

Through this experience, I've come to understand that busyness is often a coping mechanism for deeper fears and insecurities. We keep ourselves constantly occupied to avoid confronting the possibility of failure or inadequacy. We believe that if we just work harder and faster, we can outrun our doubts and prove our value.

But the truth is, busyness actually makes us more prone to mistakes and burnout. When we're stretched too thin, we lose the clarity and perspective needed to make sound decisions and provide quality care. We become reactive rather than proactive, putting out fires instead of preventing them.

Moreover, busyness perpetuates itself in a vicious cycle. The more we take on, the more we feel compelled to take on until we're drowning in responsibilities and unable to see a way out. This not only affects us as individuals but also sets an unsustainable precedent for our teams and organisations.

Conclusion

Let’s shift the narrative. Instead of wearing busyness as a badge of honour, we should focus on creating sustainable work practices that prioritise well-being. By embracing a culture that values rest, reflection, and collaboration, we can foster an environment where healthcare professionals can thrive—ultimately benefiting both staff and patients.