Building a Strong Network: The Importance of Community Support for Relocated Healthcare Workers

They say that healthcare is the loneliest profession. Throw in a long-distance relocation—and medical workers are arguably the world’s most isolated professionals.

And that’s not good for anyone’s health. Not for their patients. Or their employers and colleagues. Not for their families along for the ride. And certainly not for the workers themselves.

The good news is, it doesn’t need to be that way—and you hold the key to giving them the support they need.

Why Healthcare Is a Lonely Business

According to the National Institutes of Health, 43% of physicians surveyed suffer from loneliness, which is tied to higher burnout and lower productivity. There are several possible reasons for this.

For one thing, not showing weakness is part of medical culture. Instilling confidence in patients and peers is trained into medical professionals from early on. As a result, many keep their feelings to themselves.

For another, according to Becker Hospital Review, opportunities for camaraderie continue to decline. Physician lounges are like “ghost towns” these days. And true friendships are harder to maintain, due to continual changes and turnover.

So, when a newly relocated healthcare professional bursts on the scene, they’re already at a disadvantage. But you have the power to change that, making sure they’re not on their own.

5 Ways to Help New Hires Feel Networked In

The faster and more fully a new hire acclimates, the more productive they’ll be, the less isolated they’ll feel, and the more likely they’ll stay long-term. It’s in your organization’s interest to help them build connections from day one. Here’s five ways to do just that. 

1. Introduce Relocating Professionals to…Everyone

A warm welcome goes beyond introductions to their new unit or team. Aim to introduce new hires to people across your organization and community, broadening their network. Make it a practice to give tours, host meet-and-greets and organize welcome gatherings right from the start.

2. Assign a Mentor

Nothing supports a new healthcare worker like knowing they have a go-to person for questions, advice and friendly conversation. Assigning each relocated employee a mentor or guide can help them navigate everything more easily, from understanding the organization’s culture to “getting” work expectations.

3. Ensure Strong Management Support

Compassionate leadership is a powerful touchstone for professionals eager to establish themselves. Make sure management is supportive and encouraging, and that you’ve created a workplace environment where new employees feel supported, not merely judged.

4. Foster Team Spirit through Group Events

A strong team dynamic benefits everyone, but especially newbies. Host team-building activities and collaborative projects that inspire camaraderie. Use holiday parties and employee appreciation events to demonstrate that all levels of staff are valued. Create opportunities for employees to get to know one another beyond their daily duties.

5. Build Strong Ties to the Broader Community

Organizing or participating in local events—community health fairs, charity runs, volunteer days—creates pathways for new employees to engage with locals and eventually see themselves as part of the community fabric. When you help newcomers build lasting ties outside of work, they won’t be newcomers for long.

Start Building Connections Before Relocation

There’s no need to wait until new employees and their families relocate to introduce them to your community. Make it part of your relocation process!

Introducing new hires to your area virtually—along with house-hunting trips and tours—serves several purposes. For one thing, it will allow them to make informed choices when it comes to housing, neighborhoods, schools, etc.

For another, the more they know about the area, the more quickly they’ll adapt and start to feel at home.

This goes for your organization, too. The more detailed information you can provide upfront, the more confident and comfortable your new employees will be in their roles.

How do you convey all this information? A proactive relocation provider will do all the heavy lifting for you.

For example, if you were an UrbanBound client, your incoming healthcare professionals would enjoy online access to all types of carefully curated information just for them, including: 

• An introduction to your organization, culture and the facility where they’ll work  
• Hyperlocal data about your area, about housing, neighborhoods, schools, transportation, local highlights and more
• Access to a network of top local real estate agents who specialize in relocation 
• Helpful, first-person tips from coworkers on navigating their new area 

…and of course, a smooth, positive relocation experience.