Volume 39 Number 5 | October 2025
Summary

Medical laboratory professionals face mental health challenges from understaffing, constant training, and complex scheduling. Marionette Yvonne Agatep-Cortez highlights resilience strategies such as improving workflow with technology, prioritizing self-care, practicing mindfulness, fostering teamwork, and adopting flexible scheduling. By addressing workload, stress, and staffing issues, labs can build supportive environments that reduce burnout and protect well-being.

Sustaining Mental Health Amidst Understaffing and New Demands

Marionette Yvonne Agatep-Cortez, AHI, MLS(AMT), ASCLS Today Volunteer Contributor

Marionette Yvonne Agatep-CortezMedical laboratory science professionals navigate a uniquely challenging environment. Factors such as understaffing, continuous training on new instrumentation, and intricate scheduling contribute to significant mental health challenges and an increased risk of burnout. However, cultivating resilience through specific strategies can empower individuals to effectively manage these pressures and nurture their mental well-being.

  1. Address the Workload and Understaffing
  • Improve Workflow and Leverage Technology: Identify bottlenecks in the laboratory process and consider implementing laboratory management software to automate routine tasks, improve scheduling, and streamline communication.1 This approach could potentially lead to a more efficient and productive environment.
  • Prioritize Tasks and Set Realistic Goals: Identify all tasks and then categorize them based on their importance and urgency. Clearly define priorities and ensure that workload expectations are manageable.1,4 Communicate limitations and do not hesitate to say no to more requests if it will compromise work quality or well-being.3
  • Encourage Teamwork and Collaboration: A strong team thrives on a supportive environment, clear communication, defined roles, and shared goals. When a supportive environment allows staff members to openly communicate, brainstorm solutions, and collaborate, it builds strong team relationships, facilitates workload distribution, provides emotional support, and drives innovation and success.
  • Advocate for Adequate Staffing: Actively promote and support recruitment and retention efforts within the laboratory and advocate for leadership to address staffing shortages through various strategies like offering competitive salaries and benefits, providing clear progression plans, and ensuring access to professional development opportunities. 
  1. Manage Stress and Prevent Burnout
  • Prioritize Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care means consciously scheduling and actively participating in activities that enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being.5 It is crucial to understand that this is not a selfish act but rather a necessary investment in overall health and resilience. By intentionally integrating self-care into daily routine, one can manage stress, improve moods, and effectively navigate life’s challenges.
  • Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: This can be effectively practiced through various methods, including deep breathing exercises, body scan meditation, and mindful sensory experiences to manage stress levels and promote a sense of calm during high-pressure situations.2
  • Seeking Support: Encourage laboratory staff to reach out for support when needed, whether from colleagues, supervisors, or mental health professionals.2 Utilizing employee aid programs (EAPs) can provide confidential counseling and resources.3
  • Foster a Culture of Appreciation and Recognition: Create a workplace where hard work and dedication are acknowledged and celebrated. This can significantly boost morale and motivation.
  • Offer Mentorship and Peer Support: Pair inexperienced staff with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support during the training process, promoting a sense of community and helping knowledge sharing.2
  1. Address Scheduling Problems
  • Utilize Scheduling Software: Implement advanced scheduling software to automate processes, track employee availability and certifications, and improve resource allocation.1
  • Adopt Flexible Scheduling Systems: Consider implementing flexible scheduling options like varied shift times or durations to better manage fluctuating workloads and accommodate staff needs, potentially reducing stress and improving morale.3
  • Leverage Data for Optimization: This is a process to analyze historical data on patient volumes and test turnaround times to predict demand and adjust staffing levels efficiently, helping to minimize obstacles and improve overall workflow.1
  • Promote Open Communication and Staff Input: Engage staff in discussions about scheduling issues, encourage feedback on current processes, and involve them in finding solutions and improvements.5

By implementing a combination of these strategies, medical laboratory science professionals can proactively address challenges such as understaffing, new instrument training, and scheduling problems. This promotes a more supportive and sustainable work environment, safeguarding mental health and well-being through increased resilience.

References
  1. Janowiak D. Is Burnout Sabotaging Your Clinical Lab? Today’s Clinical Lab. March 24, 2022. https://www.clinicallab.com/is-burnout-saotaging-your-clinical-lab-26340. Accessed July 30,2025
  2. American Medical Association. Individual Resilience and Well-Being: Protect Against Burnout and Encourage Self-Care. AMA Ed Hub; 2015. https://edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/module/2702556. Accessed July 30, 2025
  3. Lu Y, Zhao X, Jenkin C. Mental Health Challenges and Solutions in High Pressure Work Environments. Mental Health Work. 2025;1(1):10-15
  4. Smith J, Jones K. Navigating stress in Clinical lab: 8 practical approaches. Clin Lab Today. 2024; 15(2): 45-50
  5. Markel A. A Guide to Foster Resilience & Wellness for Healthcare Team. https://adammarkel.com/building-resilience-in-healthcare/. Accessed July 30, 2025

Marionette Yvonne Agatep-Cortez is an MLSII at Columbus Regional Health System in Columbus, Indiana.