How Practice Managers Can Combat Security Fatigue

As security protocols and compliance requirements continue to increase, practice managers must find effective ways to prevent security process overload

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on The HR Director

As compliance requirements and security responsibilities continue to increase, many of the tools and technologies designed to help manage these demands are struggling to keep pace. This leaves staff feeling overwhelmed and potentially more vulnerable to security risks.

The sheer volume of security policies, regulations and compliance tasks is leaving many practice staff feeling burnt out, with administrative burdens detracting from their primary duties. As demands on information security continue to grow, practice managers need to step in to help teams navigate the complexity of managing security compliance fatigue.

Why Are Staff Burnt Out?

With the advancement of technology practices are facing a growing number of cybersecurity threats. Security fatigue often sets in when staff feel overwhelmed by the constant need to follow multiple security protocols, particularly when these tasks seem disconnected from their core roles. This fatigue can result from excessive training, lengthy policies and complex requirements, leading to disengagement or even non-compliance.

To effectively tackle security fatigue, practice managers must strike a balance between essential security protocols and realistic, manageable compliance practices. Rather than overwhelming staff with a blanket approach of rules and training for every possible threat, it’s crucial to focus on the most relevant, high-priority areas and provide clear, concise guidance that integrates into their daily responsibilities.

Practical Solutions

Engaging staff in cybersecurity requires more than just instructing them to follow protocols; it’s about making security practices both relevant and motivating. Overly complex policies can confuse staff, leading to unintentional non-compliance as they struggle to understand what’s expected of them. Since cybersecurity is as much about human behaviour as it is about technology, the tools and systems in place can greatly influence how staff engage with security.

Complex or intrusive software can frustrate users, prompting them to bypass security measures, which ultimately undermines the practice’s security goals. When technology is user-friendly and designed with the staff experience in mind, it not only enhances compliance but also fosters a more positive, proactive approach to cybersecurity within the practice.

Understanding Security Burnout

It’s crucial to recognise that security process burnout in healthcare practices isn’t usually a result of negligence or lack of commitment from staff. Instead, it’s a natural response to the overwhelming complexity of security demands and the constant pressure to comply with ever-evolving regulations. By understanding this, practice managers can develop a supportive, realistic approach to cybersecurity that reduces burnout, improves compliance and ultimately strengthens the security culture within the practice.