The Importance of Wellness

The job of correctional officers is not an easy one; however, it has increasingly become more difficult as time passes. The cause of this is likely not what you may think. For many years, correctional officers have had an explicit problem, staffing shortages. These staffing shortages have increasingly resulted in unsafe outcomes for correctional officers and incarcerated individuals. These dramatic changes have also had significant impacts on staff mental health and well-being. Staff often find themselves overworked and prone to physical and mental ailments, including high rates of PTSD. It is time to offer more resources to correctional staff who are struggling to handle the physical or psychological burden of their job.

An Expansion of Structural Resources

Staff wellness is critical to keeping correctional staff healthy whether on or off the job. One of the best ways to provide resources to correctional staff is to establish or expand agreements with colleges and the local community. Some agencies offer the help of therapists, mental health counselors, or other local practitioners seeking certification. This arrangement can be mutually beneficial providing college professors and students seeking to become mental health professionals, with access to corrections professionals who are patients. Some corrections agencies currently engage in this practice, although most of the services provided are for the incarcerated population. Broadening the scope of services to include treatment for corrections staff could help both aspiring clinicians and corrections professionals.

Fostering an Environment of Support

Staff wellness can also be promoted by having supervisors work closely with staff. This allows for the building of personal connections between supervisors and on-duty correctional officers. Increasing workplace interaction to enhance communication with staff is critical, as it provides opportunities for dialogue if there are challenges. It also allows supervisors the ability to see how their staff is fairing and whether they need many need additional support. When people are struggling whether it be with physical illness, mental illness, stress, or just a bad day sometimes not everyone is open and willing to share about it. That is why having these designated times to meet with supervisors may prove to be beneficial. There are some individuals who are not open to sharing their personal information or circumstances however, just letting supervisors know that something is going on may be helpful for them so that they can help provide the resources necessary. Sometimes even without saying anything supervisors may be able to tell if something is going on and suggest taking a sick day or mental health day in order to recuperate. It is important that staff feel supported in whatever they are going through and know the resources that are available to them if they are struggling.

A Source of Comfort

Another way to improve staff wellness for correctional staff is by introducing comfort or therapy dogs. Comfort and therapy dogs have found themselves working themselves into the thread of work life as they are great at helping humans deal with difficult emotions like stress. This is often why such dogs can be seen on college campuses during high-stress periods like midterms and finals. The bond between humans and dogs has always been strong, considering they are “man's best friend” so, it makes sense that they would be a sense of comfort for us during strenuous times. Programs have started popping up, pairing these dogs to individual correctional staff or facilities, although it has yet to become mainstream. However, for facilities looking to try something new, adding a comfort dog can be great for individuals and simultaneously help to build a strong community among staff. Although, before onboarding a new member, it is important to always investigate the program or certificate so everyone has an understanding of the dog's capabilities.

Correctional officers face an array of challenges when it comes to their jobs. Stress on the job has been impacting the field of corrections for quite some time, leaving both administrative and line staff pondering effective solutions. By continually implementing proven strategies for staff well-being, corrections practitioners will begin to feel as though they are better equipped to do their job.