Occupational Burnout: Florida Public Health Workforce During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract

Florida's public health workforce faced unprecedented challenges during the compounding COVID-19 pandemic and record-setting hurricane seasons. The objective of this study was to understand burnout within this essential workforce and identify strategies to better support them. A cross-sectional survey addressing burnout, job satisfaction, turnover intention, job demands, job resources, and organizational support in 2021 was completed by 891 Florida Department of Health workers and analyzed by the research team. Approximately half of the respondents reported experiencing burnout, which is linked to job dissatisfaction and turnover intention. Strategies to effectively support and retain this essential workforce include improving staffing, salaries, flexibility, trainings, resources, and leadership. As infectious disease outbreaks and extreme weather events continue to occur, effectively supporting the public health workforce is critical to protecting and promoting the health and well-being of all Floridians.