Burnout, Job Satisfaction, and Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers in China

Abstract

This study explores the complex relationships among burnout, job satisfaction, and mental health in China’s healthcare workforce. Drawing on national reports and recent empirical studies, the research identifies structural, cultural, and organizational determinants shaping clinician well-being. Burnout remains prevalent across multiple specialties, particularly in emergency, ICU, and pediatrics, with anxiety, depression, and insomnia affecting over 40% of healthcare staff. Institutional factors—such as long working hours, limited recognition systems, and authoritarian leadership—exacerbate psychological distress, while emerging programs like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and peer-support initiatives demonstrate potential to mitigate its effects. Significant disparities are observed between urban and rural healthcare systems, revealing inequities in workload, professional resources, and access to mental health services. The paper proposes a sustainable multi-level framework that integrates individual resilience training, organizational reforms, and policy-driven mental health standards. Ultimately, improving clinician well-being is essential not only for staff retention but also for enhancing patient safety and healthcare quality across China.