Burnout, Manpower Shortages, and Mental Health Struggles Contribute to Healthcare Workers’ Resignations
Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare professionals in Singapore have chosen to leave their roles due to burnout, overwhelming workloads, and emotional stress. Lisa*, a senior staff nurse, was denied time off when her father fell ill with COVID-19, a final push that led to her resignation. The Ministry of Health revealed that over 1,500 healthcare workers resigned in the first half of 2021 alone, with the attrition rate for foreign nurses significantly higher than that of local staff. Many health professionals are choosing agency work, finding more favorable conditions abroad. With long hours, understaffing, and emotional exhaustion persisting, the healthcare system is showing signs of strain, compounded by the exodus of workers.
A recent study has highlighted that emotional exhaustion and lack of recognition, coupled with increased patient loads, have contributed to the challenges healthcare workers face. Workers also raised concerns about their mental health, with some departments seeing resignation levels that were unprecedented. Even as the pandemic’s effects ease, fundamental issues such as workload, lack of support, and better opportunities overseas continue to drive workers away.
While some have found relief in less demanding healthcare roles, such as polyclinics, many remain within the industry but are exploring alternative work arrangements. Foreign professionals are also increasingly drawn to other countries, particularly the US, where they can receive higher pay and greater benefits. As Singapore emerges from the pandemic, healthcare workers face long-standing issues that persist despite the drop in COVID-19 cases, leaving the future of the healthcare workforce uncertain.
