Emory peer support program helps ease health worker burnout

By Michelle Boone Aug. 7, 2025

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 50% of health care workers nationwide report that they often feel burned out, experiencing stress that affects their physical, emotional and psychological well-being. These challenges are causing many to leave the workforce early, exacerbating what is already projected to be a global shortfall of 11 million health care workers by 2030 and potentially leading to serious repercussions.

Now, employees have the opportunity to be part of a program that can offer solutions and provide support to their peers.

Committed to mitigating the effects of burnout, the Emory Office of Well-Being (EmWELL) is offering a free and confidential peer support program available to all Woodruff Health Sciences Center (WHSC) and Emory Healthcare employees. Emory's Building Resilience and Compassion Enculturation (EmBRACE) program uses an effective, evidence-based approach in which trained volunteers provide a safe space for colleagues to voice their concerns to people who are uniquely qualified to understand.

Anyone in the Woodruff Health Sciences Center or Emory Healthcare can apply to become a peer supporter. All disciplines, specialties and roles are welcome. Applications are open now to join an in-person training session scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 29.

“Throughout my career — as a NICU nurse and a nurse leader — there have been many moments when I would have greatly benefited from peer support,” says Michelle Kitchens, director of patient care services at Emory Decatur Hospital. “Having a confidential space to speak with someone who understands the pressures of our work, yet remains outside the immediate situation, is incredibly valuable. Peer supporters offer active listening and serve as a sounding board for colleagues facing anxiety or difficult decisions.”

Launched in 2019, EmBRACE trains employees to provide peer-to-peer support through scheduled sessions and in real-time. More than 160 active peer supporters participated in 1,387 sessions in 2024, a 50% increase over 2023.

Employees interested in support can request a session at any time by completing the simple and confidential EmBRACE form. Employees may also refer colleagues who are experiencing stressful situations. A peer supporter will reach out within three days to schedule an initial 30-minute session and up to two follow-up sessions as needed. Team members needing additional support are referred to an Emory employee assistance program.

While peer support helps to decrease the physical, psychological and emotional burdens health care workers face, it also benefits the peer supporters themselves. In a 2024 survey, 66% of peer supporters strongly agreed that the skills they gained through EmBRACE allowed them to be more compassionate and supportive of colleagues and leaders.

“I think listening to others assists not only the recipient, but also the provider, in developing compassion for both self and others. It reminds all involved of the value of human connection,” says Marianne Baird, Magnet program director and director of clinical excellence for Emory Decatur Hospital and Emory Longterm Acute Care.

To request a peer support session for yourself or a colleague, please complete the session request form. To apply to serve as a peer supporter, please complete the EmBRACE application form. Please direct questions to embracepeersupport@emoryhealthcare.org

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