What kinds of problems does FSAP help with?
Individuals tend to come to us a little more for personal issues than for work-related reasons, whether they need assistance for their own mental health and wellbeing, or help to navigate difficult family issues such as marital challenges, elder care or adolescent behavior. For groups that work together, we offer a range of organization consultations–from workshops and seminars, to facilitated conversations for those in conflict, to stress management and team building for groups.
Has anything changed over the past few months?
We are busier than ever! We’ve been tracking trends for more than 20 years and we are still seeing plenty of what we saw before such as depression or marital problems. On top of all that, some people struggle with working from home and are more anxious, angry or depressed than ever. There’s been a slight uptick in domestic violence and substance use. Some employees are worried about job security. For residents and fellows here to launch to their careers, many have found job offers rescinded and a very restricted job market after COVID. We would expect these problems to manifest when your world is upside down and the heat is turned up. It’s hard on everyone.
What do you find are the biggest challenges for employees at UCSF?
One of the top issues is work relationships, particularly with supervisors who may not be well-suited for managing people or need more leadership training. A good analyst may not be a good manager; a good surgeon may not be a good leader of other surgeons. If we don’t have a systematic way to ensure that managers have the leadership skill set, it can have a negative ripple effect on their teams.
Another top work-related issue is burnout, which has increased significantly in the last five years–and even more during COVID. People are working well past usual hours, weekends–even during vacation. They aren’t getting the rest and regeneration they need. On the personal side, anxiety and depression have really shot up, as well as personal relationship problems.
What’s one thing you wish UCSF employees knew?
That FSAP exists and that we can help. I wish everyone knew about our services. We’ve been around for nearly 30 years. Our services are strictly confidential and don’t go in employees’ medical or personnel records. Without help, people suffer needlessly. We are here.
See the FSAP brochure for more details or call (415) 476-8279 to schedule an appointment.
