Why we need to reimagine frontline work to change burnout culture | Dzifa Afonu | TEDxLondonWomen

[@sylzoor4183]

It amazes me that workers we rely on the most, like our frontline Saints - get the worst salary, the worst working conditions. Surely we can do better.

[@miguelgarces7685]

I must pass this on. Thank you Dzifa.

[@pablocortez6960]

The stuff she says about where the term 'frontline' comes from really speaks volumes on its own.

[@pierrevilleneu]

I love her accent, watching this in the USA makes me wish we had a softer tone like she does.

[@hooponopono8528]

Every one should have to work on the frontline - customer service, emergency services, ANYTHING so that the entitled were humbled and what is needed was provided to help our most precious workers.

[@Ravengal101]

- Heroes ask for help when they need it. - Heroes fight for more just systems that fully resource those that need support. - Heroes take time off. - Heroes prioritize rest, healing, and resourcing themselves. - Heroes don't have to strive alone; they are surrounded by communities that value them and the work they do. - There are heroics in giving and receiving care.

[@officialsefrey]

you bet Dzifa, I am constantly doing what I can for my friends in the care industries in hopes I can give them the rest they need

[@ehsaankumer]

With you all the way Dzifa 💪💪

[@aileascooper]

from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU, thank you for opening up this conversation for those of us who worry if we do we will lose our jobs.

[@jorgeestoban]

There are so many factors that need to be reimagined!

[@joshauwidten]

What a legend for putting this out there. Very much appreciated.

[@chasesevern7224]

So relieved to see someone talking about this issue.

[@nancygraskonski]

I don't know what it's like in the states but here in AUS it really just comes down to those sectors being underfunded. If there were adequate resources and staff then people wouldn't have to stretch themselves so thin.

[@orlageary5104]

Let’s put the humanity back into the care industry

[@emkegillis]

I hope that the last couple of years has taught us how important our frontline workers are and that they deserve so much more than what they get.

[@jhonusalazar]

Yup, keeping people tired is an amazing way of holding them down, and what better way to perpetuate the soul-crushing environment that people in need are put in than to wear down those who genuinely want to help?

[@kingbrantley]

I find it really interesting that people who are naturally empathetic become social workers, it is such an emotionally charged environment I just couldn't imagine doing that kind of thing and not becoming emotionally involved.

[@jhonusalazar]

wear you down for sure man.

[@gracefairbank]

Many people know this, but do they KNOW it? Without these workers, many of us and or loved ones would be lost. We need to pay attention to this.

[@evielangtree8743]

I always wanted to be in a position that helped people, care services, child care - whatever, I just wanted to help! But then I noticed that there was absolutely no time for self-care. Couldn't agree more with Dzifa, we need to seriously think about how those who are doing the most work and are being treated and discouraged.

[@shelomi89]

"The boundary between the helper and helped is fluid and temporary" 💯👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Many many points made!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@georgenotbest]

so true!

[@m8s777]

Agreed.

[@kaylacalkins489]

I think even before the pandemic there was such a need to look at all this stuff, I've not had a job in the care industry since before then but I hate to think how bad things are now.

[@hannahyvictoria]

Yes, these are the pillars of our communities, and too often the least paid.

[@badkarma2005]

Everyone I know that is in the care industry - needs a carer themselves, just to keep up with basic things.

[@carstenberns7104]

The stuff she says around the 5:30 mark is SO important, and definitely something I've been guilty of forgetting in the past.

[@miraramona]

She's absolutely right about the way this pandemic highlighted just how flawed some of our systems are.

[@florenciaconde3817]

Truth! We can't keep doing what we are doing and expect that we can do a good job not just for those who we serve, but for ourselves.

[@babssinnerd]

It's so true, so many of our systems are just broken. Or rather they never really worked to begin with. Social work/mental health care in particular need a massive overhaul in terms of processes.

[@investmentguru1394]

Everyone is burnt out. It's getting more and more rare for people to have a job that they enjoy doing, make enough money from to survive, AND get that sense of accomplishment we as humans crave. I can't begin to imagine how much those on the frontline are struggling to maintain their passion for helping people when they are some of the most overworked and underpaid professionals in any industry.

[@viccromtron]

Gosh I love this talk, there are so many important concepts within this.

[@suspiciousaboutauser]

I've heard some really awful stuff about the way POC are treated in these kinds of systems, both the workers and those seeking help. Definitely time for a reimagining.

[@henrahsavage4653]

It's hilarious and sad when we get a new RN in. Always peppy and full of life and excited. Never more than 2 weeks before they're jaded.

[@iammatrixmike]

This is so true, I don't think people realise how emotionally fraught social workers really are.

[@jifgena]

Yet so many really want to make a difference. Its really a sad situation.

[@sandytlyon]

Yup- had a workplace incident or show signs of mental fatigue? Here is the EAP number. Box ticked. There is not enough real support

[@iamarchiestewart]

I wish we had been tackling these issues so long ago, it's people like Adam and Dzifa we need to be looking after now more than ever!

[@effierose5391]

Very cool to see someone putting all of this out there, this awareness is definitely needed!

[@geemaleishere]

True!

[@makeitso1017]

Vital messages, especially in our new world. Thank you Dzifa

[@jifgena]

Your welcome @makeitso. Yes feels still so current these issues.

[@joanbacon7056]

This speech deserves more views. Really important stuff for everyone to be aware of.

[@gerdefrederick]

Good on you Dzifa. So many are working tirelessly to keep attend to their communities needs but we really have seen how little thought is put to those who are willing to sacrifice so much.

[@raylinduke9645]

I have a few friends who became social workers and were burnt out even before they finished their work placement training. It's a rough job and I don't think any amount of education can properly prepare you for what's involved.

[@risapiera]

Couldn't agree more, sharing right away.

[@nyokakilemake2178]

I think this approach would be so beneficial Dzifa, a lot of the time the person who needs help has the best understanding of what's wrong with them, but 'the rules' in place mean you have to go through that process of diagnosing them which isn't really empowering is it?

[@stephenmann9534]

This is....... "that process of diagnosing them....." the heart of the matter. The "patient" or "consumer" needs to be in control. It's their life.

[@alicemonay]

Burnout is everywhere.... it's almost like our modern lifestyles have been designed to not suit the things we're craving on an energetic/spiritual level!

[@malavikavarada]

Now that the pandemic is yesterdays news (but it's still here) how many front line workers are being ignored again and still.

[@m8s777]

As long as upper management are calling the shots for those who are on the ground - burn out will continue to exist - lack of resources, lack of compassion, lack of funding and lack of understanding.

[@dodgersfanextreme]

I have worked in the disability sector for years- burnout is an unspoken expected part of the job. If you aren’t going above and beyond your pay grade, you re aren’t doing your job. Even worse, if you aren’t doing this you CAN’T do your job.

[@jifgena]

Its such a shame that this culture is supported by these unspoken expectations of workers.

[@mervobak]

The imbalance between the profit grabbers and the grunt workers is vast and it is going to create an issue that will lead to chaos beyond what this world has ever seen.

[@savannahdiego]

It's so difficult watching the new recruits come in and how quickly they realise what they'll be dealing with.. It shouldn't be this way.

[@tarasuppleton]

its sad, so sad for them.

[@why-why-why-why1]

TRUTH.

[@johnathanbrayton]

Take your assigned leave, work your rostered hours- no more without appropriate overtime pay. Frontline workers burn out because they keep the system running on their sweat and tears. If we all put in boundaries, those pulling purse strings will have no choice but to use funding appropriately with workers well-being in mind because business will crumble otherwise.

[@markheichorn]

I think it would be so hard to be a social worker. How do you care enough to help but still set those boundaries and not become emotionally involved?

[@jifgena]

People really need support to be able to do this. Support from the power structures that manage them and support from community and maybe even one to one support, therapy or supervision. I do believe it can be done though.

[@thomas-meyer]

I saw a story where nurses were going on strike after being offered less than 1% raise, absurd!!!

[@cowboycodyvance]

My aunt works at Walmart, she was right there facing people every day through this, and you think she was given a mask or any help or even more money from the company - nope.

[@dereksunder]

Adam's story could be used in so many different sectors that are considered front line. This really can't be the way we keep doing things.

[@chaddydescil]

People are leaving these sectors left right and centre. How much longer can those who want to help be underpaid, underappreciated and without any time for themselves?

[@gyamfieric4330]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@katiaromanow]

Call me cynical but honestly, the system is designed this way... why would the people in power care about making it easy for the basic human needs of disenfranchised people to be met? Think of what it could lead to if those people didn't have to struggle just to live.

[@suehawke]

Will private hospitals and governments remember the sacrifice nurses made during COVID when it comes to negotiating fair wages for them in the future?

[@jifgena]

I do hope so @suehawke

[@aggy69420]

first!