Enterprise AI Analysis
Understanding Workplace Relatedness Support among Healthcare Professionals
A Four-Layer Model and Implications for Technology Design
Authors: Zheyuan Zhang*, Dorian Peters, Lan Xiao, Jingjing Sun, Laura Moradbakhti, Andrew Hall, Rafael A. Calvo
Published: CHI '26, April 13-17, 2026, Barcelona, Spain. ACM.
This study explores how technology can support relatedness among healthcare professionals (HCPs) to mitigate occupational stress and burnout. Through semi-structured interviews (n=15) and co-design workshops (n=21) with UK NHS HCPs, a four-layer model of relatedness needs was identified: Informal Interactions, Camaraderie and Bond, Community and Organizational Care, and Shared Identity. Eight design concepts (e.g., Playful Encounter, Collocated Action, Memories and Stories) operationalize these layers. The research highlights the theoretical relevance, practical design implications, and the necessity of strengthening relatedness support for HCPs amidst digitalization and AI.
Executive Impact: Enhancing HCP Wellbeing through Connectedness
Healthcare professionals (HCPs) face increasing occupational stress and burnout, exacerbated by declining social connections in digitalizing healthcare environments. This impacts their psychological wellbeing and resilience. Our solution leverages a four-layer model of HCP relatedness (Informal Interactions, Camaraderie and Bond, Community and Organizational Care, Shared Identity) to inform technology design and foster meaningful connections, reducing stress and enhancing resilience.
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Potential Reduction in HCP Burnout
Deep Analysis & Enterprise Applications
Select a topic to dive deeper, then explore the specific findings from the research, rebuilt as interactive, enterprise-focused modules.
This layer emphasizes the significance of everyday, brief, spontaneous, and informal social interactions among colleagues. These short, in-the-moment exchanges, like small talk or shared laughter, are crucial for providing relational boosts and wellbeing buffers, fitting into tight schedules without feeling forced or stressful.
Enterprise Process Flow
Brief Daily Interactions
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Spontaneous Social Cues
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Light-hearted Moments
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Connection & Relief
Design concepts like Playful Encounter (e.g., desktop speakers prompting icebreakers) and Collocated Action (e.g., VR digital retreats in staff rooms) could facilitate these brief, informal moments without disrupting clinical routines.
This layer focuses on deeper ties, mutual support, and trust formed within teams or wards over time. It highlights the importance of personal support networks and a psychologically safe environment where HCPs can openly share concerns and distress without judgment, leading to increased team cohesion and resilience.
| Aspect | Low Relatedness | High Relatedness |
|---|---|---|
| Team Cohesion |
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| Work Motivation |
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| Stress & Burnout |
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Technology can support these deeper bonds through Expressing Appreciation (e.g., digital badges, gratitude walls) and Effective Collaboration (e.g., AI-assisted EHR systems summarizing cases to boost teamwork and communication).
This layer extends relatedness to broader community and organizational levels, emphasizing connections beyond immediate teams. It involves participants' perceived value of being part of wider communities and the importance of structural support from the hospital or specialized organizations. These ties act as a buffer against loneliness and isolation.
NHS Hospital Wellbeing Initiatives
The study highlighted how participants valued organizational events and structural support. Examples like shared communal areas, sleep pods during COVID-19, and smart digital signage with wellbeing programs were praised for embodying organizational care. These initiatives fostered a sense of belonging and community, extending support beyond immediate teams.
Outcome: Enhanced connection with broader community, improved sense of belonging, and reassurance that the organization cares for its staff. This contributes to overall wellbeing and work engagement.
Concepts like Asynchronized Sharing and Support (e.g., digital spaces for discreet disclosure) and Embodiment of Care (e.g., technology in communal areas reflecting institutional support) can foster these connections.
The final layer reflects a cognitive aspect of relatedness, rooted in a collective, profession-wide sense of 'us' as healthcare professionals. It's shaped by shared responsibilities, values, commitment, common challenges (like the COVID-19 pandemic), and the importance of feeling appreciated and valued by society and the healthcare system.
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HCPs valuing shared identity in overcoming challenges (e.g., COVID-19)
Technologies supporting Memories and Stories (e.g., digital photo booths, gratitude walls documenting key moments) can crystallize shared experiences and reinforce this collective identity and commitment.
Quantify the Impact: Reclaiming Time & Wellbeing
While relatedness benefits are primarily qualitative, improved team cohesion and reduced burnout directly translate to operational efficiency and reduced turnover. Use our calculator to estimate potential time reclaimed and cost savings within your healthcare organization by fostering a supportive environment.
Estimated Annual Savings
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Hours Reclaimed Annually
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Roadmap to Enhanced HCP Relatedness
A strategic approach to integrating relatedness support technologies into your healthcare system, ensuring sustainable benefits and improved staff wellbeing.
Phase 1: Needs Assessment & Pilot (3-6 months)
Conduct in-depth interviews and co-design workshops with HCPs across various departments to identify specific relatedness needs and pain points. Pilot 'Playful Encounter' and 'Expressing Appreciation' technologies in select wards, focusing on brief, informal interactions.
Phase 2: System Integration & Expansion (6-12 months)
Integrate successful pilot technologies into existing digital ecosystems (e.g., staff apps, EHRs) with workflow-aware design. Expand 'Collocated Action' and 'Effective Collaboration' initiatives, ensuring psychological safety for deeper team bonding. Establish metrics for relatedness satisfaction and burnout.
Phase 3: Community & Identity Building (12-24 months)
Implement 'Asynchronized Sharing and Support' and 'Embodiment of Care' platforms for broader community connection and organizational support. Roll out 'Memories and Stories' initiatives to foster shared identity. Continuously gather feedback and iterate, aligning with wider NHS policy changes and AI integration plans.
Strengthen Your Healthcare Team's Connections
Empower your healthcare professionals with meaningful relatedness support, enhance their wellbeing, and build a more resilient workforce. Discover how our tailored AI solutions can transform your organizational culture.
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