On-the-Job Learning: Bright Spots of Governmental Public Health Employee Reflections on the COVID-19 Response

This article is one of 3 research briefs that highlight valuable experiences and opportunities that can be thought of as "bright spots" of the governmental public health workforce's pandemic response. Using PH WINS 2021 data, we qualitatively examined responses to an open-ended survey question about workforce experiences during the pandemic response. On-the-job learning was emphasized as a critical component of employees' experiences. Seven "on-the-job learning" subthemes were identified among 91 responses. Findings indicate that the pandemic facilitated opportunities for on-the-job learning for various skills and workplace activities. Public health employees were appreciative of the opportunity to gain new technical and practical skills including communicating with the public and to experience new roles and responsibilities. Respondents reported other related benefits including career growth and leadership opportunities. Highlighting these unexpected benefits of the COVID-19 pandemic is important for employee morale and continued workforce development planning.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Bright Spots of Governmental Public Health Employee Reflections on the COVID-19 Response

The public health emergency response following the outbreak of COVID-19 necessitated greater internal public health agency teamwork and external collaboration. Building on previous research, this article is the third of 3 research briefs that highlight "bright spots" or valuable experiences and opportunities from the COVID-19 response. Using PH WINS 2021 data, we qualitatively examined responses to a question about pandemic workforce experiences. Teamwork and collaboration were emphasized as a critical component of employees' experiences. Across 260 responses, 7 subthemes emerged, generally commemorating the ways that the response effort and employees were supported by teamwork and collaboration. Findings highlight the value of ongoing cross-division teamwork within agencies, the role of leaders in teamwork, and that lessons from teamwork/collaboration experiences can inform organizational system improvements. Maintaining and expanding on improved external collaboration and partnerships should be prioritized for preparing for future emergency events and serving public health communities on a daily basis.

Leadership: Bright Spots of Governmental Public Health Employee Reflections on the COVID-19 Response

The protracted nature of the COVID-19 pandemic demanded extraordinary efforts and innovation from public health agencies and their leaders. This is the first of 3 research briefs that highlight valuable experiences and opportunities that can be thought of as "bright spots" of the public health workforce's pandemic response. Using Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey 2021 data, we qualitatively examined responses to an open-ended question about pandemic workforce experiences. Leadership was emphasized as a critical component of employees' experiences during the response, and 7 "leadership" subthemes were identified among 157 responses. Findings illustrate the importance of leaders prioritizing safe and supportive environments for employees. Respondents also highlighted the importance of leaders fostering teamwork alongside employees and advocating for and demonstrating appreciation for employees. In addition, effective leadership communication was reported to be motivational and alleviate uncertainty during crisis situations. Focusing on these leadership skills and competencies may aid the workforce during future emergency response events.

Qualitative Insights From Governmental Public Health Employees About Experiences Serving During the COVID-19 Pandemic, PH WINS 2021

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the current study was to examine governmental public health employee experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A total of 5169 responses to a PH WINS 2021 open-ended question were qualitatively coded. The question asked employees to share their experiences during the COVID-19 response. The 15 most common themes are discussed.

PARTICIPANTS

Responses from governmental public health employees in state health agencies (SHAs), big cities (Big City Health Coalition or BCHC agencies), and local health departments (LHDs) across all 50 states were included.

RESULTS

The most frequently identified theme was pride in public health work and/or the mission of public health (20.8%), followed by leadership (17.2%), burnout or feeling overwhelmed (14%), communication (11.7%), and overtime/extra work (9.7%). Among the top 15 themes identified, comments about pride in public health work and/or the mission of public health (95.9%), teamwork (81.5%), and telework (61%) were predominantly positive. Co-occurring themes for responses that expressed pride in public health work and/or the mission of public health were often countered with explanations of why respondents remain frustrated, including feeling burned out or overwhelmed , disappointment with the community's sense of responsibility or trust in science , and feeling unappreciated either by the community or their agency. All of these co-occurring themes were predominantly negative.

CONCLUSIONS

Employees are proud to work in public health and value teamwork but often felt overworked and unappreciated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reviewing existing emergency preparedness protocols in the context of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and listening to employees' experiences with teleworking and task sharing may better prepare agencies for future challenges. Creating channels for clear communication during a period of changing information and guidelines may help employees feel more prepared and valued during an emergency response.