Who cares for those who care for our health? First emotional well-being leaders announced

Lithuania has recognized organizations that are actively supporting the emotional well-being of their medical staff through the "Emotional Well-being Leaders" initiative. The awards aim to address the growing mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals.

Kristina Kripaitienė, head of the Medflow Institute and organizer of the initiative, explained that the awards were created in response to the increasing emotional health challenges within the medical community. "Some organizations address employee well-being fragmentarily, like applying a band-aid hoping for a quick effect, while others perceive well-being as a long-term strategic direction and integrate it into the very culture of the organization. That's precisely why the emotional well-being leaders initiative was born," Kripaitienė stated.

Affidea Lietuva was honored with the "Emotional Well-being Leader of the Year" award for its systematic approach and sustained initiatives to strengthen the well-being of its medical personnel. Giedrė Teresevičienė, HR director at Affidea Lietuva, emphasized the organization's commitment to seeing the person behind the white coat. "Doctors often overwork, become exhausted, and burn out. It is very important for us that this does not affect the patient experience, as patient well-being is the highest priority," she said.

Šeškinė Polyclinic received the "Emotional Well-being Leader of the Year" title, recognizing their community's efforts and their initiative "How are you feeling, colleague?". Vykantė Makaravičienė, project manager for employee experience, noted the value of having daily care for people be seen and acknowledged. "When well-being is created by the employees themselves, leaders support it, and teams unite to provide ideas and initiatives, the organization wins," she remarked.

The family and dental clinic "Signata" was also named an "Emotional Well-being Leader" for its consistent focus on employee well-being and its efforts to foster community and emotional health. Karolis Buika, the clinic's executive director, stressed the importance of daily attention to colleagues, stating, "We try to find time every day to listen to a colleague, understand how they are feeling, and how we can help them." The clinic also offers free yoga classes to its staff for their mental and physical strengthening.