The Health Leader’s Fix

How to Build a Wellness Culture in High-Stress Teams

I’ve worked in Emergency Medical Services for over 15 years, and one thing I’ve learned is that no matter how strong your protocols or processes are, the real heartbeat of any health system is its people. Currently, I manage operations, coordinate teams, and strive every day to strike a balance between performance and human care. It’s not easy. And I know I’m not the only one feeling the weight of that.

That’s why I’m starting this newsletter, The Health Leader’s Fix. Each edition will be a short, honest insight into the challenges we face in healthcare leadership, especially here in South Africa. It’s not about quick hacks or generic advice. It’s about what works on the ground. And I want to speak directly to young professionals, those navigating high-stress environments like EMS, hospitals, clinics, and community health, because we’re often left to figure things out without real support.

So here’s where I want to start: wellness.

In South African healthcare, especially in high-pressure environments like EMS, we’ve normalised the grind. Long hours. Overtime shifts. High patient loads. Understaffing. For many of us, it's just part of the job. But at what cost?

What we don’t speak about enough is the toll this kind of work takes, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. And while wellness has become a buzzword in many corporate spaces, in the public healthcare sector, it still feels like a luxury we can’t afford. But here’s the truth: in high-stress teams, a culture of wellness isn’t a bonus, it’s a necessity.

Over the years, I’ve seen how easy it is for young professionals, especially those new to the system, to burn out before they even get a chance to thrive. They come in full of hope, passion, and purpose, only to be met with rigid systems, emotional exhaustion, and very little support. This is where leadership needs to step up. Creating a wellness culture doesn’t require a massive budget or a fancy programme, it starts with how we treat people day to day.

In my experience, I’ve found that wellness begins with relationships. Something as simple as asking, “How are you doing today?” and listening to the answer can shift the dynamic of an entire team. We often underestimate the power of genuine check-ins. It’s not about therapy; it’s about trust. When staff feel seen, they’re more likely to speak up, support each other, and work together.

One of the most impactful changes I’ve introduced is a short check-in at the beginning of each engagement. We take a few minutes to talk as people, not just professionals. Some days it’s light-hearted. Other days, it gives someone space to share what they’re struggling with. Over time, this simple routine continues to strengthen team bonds and build a sense of shared humanity, even in the face of overwhelming workloads.

Wellness also means permitting people to pause. In fast-paced environments, we often push through exhaustion, telling ourselves there’s no time to stop. But we need to make it a priority to normalise short recovery breaks to breathe, stretch, drink water, or step outside. These moments allow the team to reset and return with more focus. I’ve seen how these small pauses prevent fatigue from building up and turning into burnout.

Another area I continue to focus on is recognition. In healthcare, we’re trained to move from crisis to crisis, rarely taking time to reflect. But I’ve learned that people need to feel that what they do matters. I make it a point to recognise small wins, whether it’s a difficult call handled with empathy or a colleague quietly stepping in to support someone else. Celebrating these everyday moments creates a ripple effect of pride and appreciation that lifts the whole team.

Let’s be honest: we work in a system that’s stretched. Budget cuts, safety concerns, high crime in red zones, and understaffing aren’t going away overnight. But the culture is something we can influence right now. A culture of wellness isn’t about being soft. It’s about building teams that are strong because they’re supported. It’s about holding space for humanity, even in systems that often forget it.

Wellness starts with leadership, and leadership is not about position; it’s about presence. It’s about how we show up for each other in the toughest of environments. As young professionals, we have an opportunity to lead differently. To create spaces where well-being isn’t something we speak about once a year, but something we practise every single day.

If we want to retain good staff, build resilient teams, and improve patient care, we can’t ignore the wellness of our people. Because when we take care of our teams, they take care of the mission.

Until next week,