Front-line workers have been suffering from burnout for some time, and with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects have taken their toll.

Officials from Horizon Health, Vitalité Health, and Ambulance New Brunswick have launched Recharjme cabins to reduce stress and absenteeism while increasing job satisfaction for provincial health-care workers.

Recharjme was founded in 2018 by two entrepreneurs from Montreal and has succeeded in hospitals, schools, factories, and other businesses with offices in Quebec and Ontario.

“Providing our staff with the opportunity to rest, relax and recharge with the Recharjme cabins before, during or after a shift is part of our commitment to helping reduce job stress and improve their overall workplace experience,” said Gail Lebel, Horizon’s vice-president and chief human resource officer.

This project is an extension of the provincial health plan’s People Pillar strategy that aims to increase employee satisfaction, reduce absenteeism due to injury and illness, and reduce attrition.

The cabins are available 24/7 and are equipped with a vibrating and heating zero gravity chair, a light therapy lamp and audible relaxation programs.

There are 19 Recharjme cabins in New Brunswick health-care facilities. Health-care workers can book 25-minute sessions at any cabin on the free Recharjme mobile app.

The soundproof cabins meet criteria from the provincial Fire Marshal to ensure fire alarms can be heard while in use.

Officials say the cabins provide healthcare workers with a multisensory experience to recharge and support their psychological health and safety in the workplace.