Personal stories frequently influence this career choice — many of which are challenging or painful. |
Inspirational teachers play a decisive role. |
People are attracted to a specific life philosophy and the desire to engage in meaningful work. |
Many professionals feel compelled to serve a greater purpose and contribute to systemic change. |
Palliative care rarely offers financial stability—time and emotional labour are often not acknowledged by the system. |
Young professionals often perceive the field as emotionally demanding. Maintaining work-life balance remains a key concern for them. |
Students often lack practical experience and a genuine understanding of what palliative care involves in real-world settings. |
A sense of purpose and the capacity to make a meaningful impact. |
Observing tangible results and systemic enhancements. |
Gratitude from patients and their families. |
Teachers who demonstrate a holistic approach through real-life context examples. |
Personal stories that resonate and foster connection. |
Sharing ideas and collaborating with like-minded colleagues. |
Trust and mutual support among team members. |
Sharing personal experiences can engage younger professionals and demonstrate the real-world value of this work. |
How can we boost motivation and retain teams?
Supervision sessions. For some, these are opportunities to learn; for others, they are a chance to reflect or find emotional closure. |
Remaining vigilant for signs of burnout and assisting colleagues before it worsens. |
Regular team-building outside the clinic (every 2–3 months)—even something simple like playing ping-pong. |
Aligning individual goals with the mission of the team and organisation. |
Creative team initiatives, such as a step-tracking app that symbolically took the team ‘to the moon’ or ‘around the world.’ |
Getting the team involved in decision-making encourages a sense of ownership. |
One-on-one meetings with team members to discuss strengths, expectations, and personal development. |
Nature retreats to rest, reflect, and connect outside the workplace. |
Sharing photos from home visits fosters a sense of connection across teams and regions. |
Recognition from patients and families serves as a strong reminder of why this work is important. |
Stories shared by relatives help to reinforce the importance of palliative care. |
Systematic acknowledgement of each individual’s unique contribution. |
A simple ‘thank you’ can make a significant difference. |
Emotional openness fosters a safe and supportive environment for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings. |