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The well-being of palliative care teams is a vital goal for any organisation or system operating in this field. But how can we genuinely support and sustain our teams? Members of the PACED community from various countries gathered for a roundtable discussion, ‘How Do We Keep the Team? Motivation in Palliative Care,’ to explore four essential questions.

  • Why do people choose to work in palliative care?
  • Why is it difficult to attract new professionals?
  • What inspires specialists in palliative care?
  • How can we boost motivation and retain teams?

We’re sharing key insights from participants below.

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Why do people choose to work in palliative care?

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.

Why is it difficult to attract new professionals?

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.

What inspires specialists in palliative care?

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.

It was a sincere, open, and meaningful conversation. We thank all participants for their contributions and hope the exchange provided insight, strength, and support in your professional journey.

Stay tuned for upcoming events—and if you represent PACED countries and would like to join our professional community, please fill out this form!
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