Support services for physicians and clinical staff reduce stress by saving 5,343 hours

The background:

A leading academic health system in California was struggling with physician engagement, recruitment, and potential candidate acceptance rates. The high stress that comes along with physician and clinical staff roles was not only leading to burnout but also impacting their ability to attract and retain top talent in these areas. This premier health system tried various other wellness-related programs, with limited success.

The Circles solution:

This provider turned to Circles to help design a customized program that would provide support and work-life balance for their physician and clinical teams. Analysis of their employee population determined their deepest need: physicians with children at home were the least engaged group within their organization.

Circles designed a 12-month pilot program targeted to both disengaged populations and other healthcare professionals. It provided these individuals with vital support so they could tend to their well-being while continuing to focus on caring for patients. A customized marketing and communications plan was tailored and delivered to physician and clinical staff groups that included working parents, long commuters, single individuals, those with multiple children at home and more. The pilot program was so successful they extended the program to 1,400+ staff (faculty) and physicians. The program includes:

• A personalized web and mobile experience, accessed through multiple channels — phone, email, web and mobile
• 24/7 support by Circles work-life balance advocates
• +1 benefit for spouse, partner, significant other at no additional cost
• Ongoing marketing to promote the program, including monthly enewsletters and digital signage
• Customized, exclusive time- and money-saving offers and discounts from local and national partners

The outcome:

Program successes to-date include:

• Physicians and clinical staff save over 2.8 hours each time they use the program
• 98% of program users are repeat users
• 1,639 total requests were made in 2023 for a savings of 5,343 hours
• 89% of physicians say having access to Circles services makes them feel more valued