As healthcare providers, many of us chose private practice seeking greater autonomy and control over our work lives. Yet, even in private practice settings, stress and burnout remain persistent challenges. A fascinating 2023 study by Zeuge et al. published in WORK journal offers valuable insights into how autonomy – or the lack thereof – impacts workplace stress.
The researchers found that when workers have more control over “how” and “when” they work, they experience significantly lower stress levels. Specifically, environments that enforced strict controls led to higher stress compared to settings that preserved autonomy or used gentle “nudges” to guide behavior.
What Does This Mean for Private Practice Providers?
As dentists, physical therapists, chiropractors, health coaches, acupuncturists, and dietitians, we often assume private practice automatically equals autonomy. But does it really? Insurance requirements, documentation demands, and even our own self-imposed rules can quietly erode our sense of control.
Ask Yourself These Key Questions:
- Do I truly control my daily schedule, or am I letting external pressures dictate my workflow?
- How often do I make decisions based on what others expect rather than what I know is best for my practice and patients?
- When was the last time I evaluated whether my practice policies serve or hinder my professional autonomy?
Reclaiming Your Autonomy in Private Practice:
- Set Clear Boundaries: Block dedicated time for administrative tasks rather than letting them spill into patient care or personal time. According to the research, having control over when you work is as important as how you work.
- Audit Your Policies: Review your practice procedures and identify which ones you’ve adopted out of habit versus necessity. Are there areas where you can introduce more flexibility without compromising quality?
- Practice Authentic Care: Create space in your schedule for the type of care delivery that aligns with your professional values. The research suggests that feeling in control of your work methods reduces stress more effectively than external enforcement.
Let’s Be Real
True autonomy in healthcare isn’t about working without constraints – it’s about maintaining agency within those constraints. When we feel in control of our professional decisions, we’re better equipped to handle the inherent stresses of patient care without burning out.
The study reminds us that enforced controls, even well-intentioned ones, can increase stress. As private practitioners, we have the unique opportunity to design our work environment. The key is being intentional about maintaining our professional autonomy while meeting our obligations to patients and the healthcare system.
What aspects of your practice make you feel most in control? Where do you feel your autonomy is most challenged? Starting this conversation is the first step toward creating more sustainable private practices.
While understanding the relationship between autonomy and stress is crucial, implementing sustainable changes requires a strategic approach. As we’ve seen, autonomy isn’t just about being your own boss – it’s about creating systems and structures that support authentic practice while managing stress effectively.
But here’s the reality: Most healthcare providers weren’t taught practice management strategies that protect their autonomy while building a sustainable business. We learn to treat patients, not to create systems that prevent burnout.
That’s why I created “Burnout Proof Your Practice in 3 Strategic Steps” – a comprehensive Master Class that transforms these research insights into actionable practice management strategies. This isn’t just about managing stress; it’s about redesigning your practice to support your autonomy while optimizing your operations.
Ready to take control of your practice and your wellbeing? Join healthcare providers who have already discovered how to:
- Create systems that protect their professional autonomy
- Implement stress-management strategies that actually work in private practice
- Build a practice that supports their wellness instead of depleting it
Learn more about the Master Class. Let’s turn these insights into lasting change for your practice.
[This article draws insights from: Zeuge, A., et al. (2023). To be or not to be stressed: Designing autonomy to reduce stress at work. WORK, 75(2023), 1199-1213.]