A strong sense of belonging may lower physicians’ risk of burnout, intent to reduce clinical hours, and intent to leave an organization, according to a study in JAMA Network Open.Why It’s Relevant
Physicians are at higher risk for burnout relative to other U.S. workers, with previous research showing that roughly 45% of physicians reported at least one symptom. However, there is a gap in the literature related to whether a sense of belonging and teammate support affect burnout or work intentions, which leaves health care leaders without a potential tool to improve professional well-being and workforce retention.
By the Numbers
- More than 14,000 physicians completed a survey that asked them whether they had a sense of belonging in their workplace, felt supported by their teammates, and/or felt burned out. They were also asked how likely they were to reduce their clinical hours in the next 12 months or leave their organization within the next two years.
- Sixty percent of respondents reported a strong sense of belonging, and about 80% reported feeling supported by teammates. Women physicians and physicians with more than five years of clinical practice had lower odds of having a strong sense of belonging.
- A strong sense of belonging was associated with 78% lower risk of burnout, 52% lower risk of intending to reduce clinical hours, and 77% lower risk of intending to leave the organization.
The Other Side
The survey was part of quality improvement efforts at health care organizations with more than 50 physicians, so it’s not representative of all physicians in the United States.
Takeaway Message
“Health care organizations should prioritize belonging and teammate support in their efforts to improve organizational culture, the work environment, and physician well-being,” the researchers wrote. “These factors will prove to be valuable as organizations strive to retain a diverse and healthy physician workforce.”
Related Information
Source
Lindsey E. Carlasare, et al. Sense of belonging, burnout, and work intention among US physicians. JAMA Network Open. Published online March 30, 2026. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.4171
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