Understanding Employee Burnout in Health Care Employee burnout is not a new phenomenon, but it has gained more attention in recent years, particularly in the health care professions. Dr. Jessica Metcalfe, a general dentist and strategic leadership and workplace consultant, sheds light on the intricacies of burnout and its far-reaching impact on dental offices across Canada. Dr. Jessica Metcalfe is a general dentist and leadership and workplace culture consultant. She is an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author of Speak Kindly, You’re Listening. The Rising Tide of Burnout in Health Care Burnout is a multifaceted issue that has been simmering under the surface for years. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, acted as a catalyst, bringing the issue to the forefront. Health care professionals, including dentists, have long been susceptible to burnout due to the high-stress nature of their work. Yet, it is only in recent times that these conversations have become less stigmatized, more open and prevalent. When we talk about these issues, it means that more people are able to get the help and support that they need. “Back in the day, a lot of people hid this type of stuff, and we would see colleagues struggle with substance abuse or other coping mechanisms. There was support available but it was usually at the end of the cycle, and many clinicians refused to speak up for fear of repercussions or the stigma and shame invovled,” says Dr. Metcalfe. She highlights a critical shift in how burnout is perceived and addressed. Today, as the dialogue around mental health and burnout becomes normalized, more individuals are 28 | 2025 | Issue 2
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