Peer Support Systems, Psychosocial Support and Employer Attractiveness Among Healthcare Workers: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study in Germany

Background: Healthcare professionals are frequently exposed to serious work-related events that may adversely affect their psychological well-being, work ability, and professional retention. Peer support systems have been proposed as a low-threshold organizational approach to providing psychosocial support following such job-inherent events. This study examined the incidence of serious work-related events among healthcare workers, employees’ perceptions of an implemented peer support system, and the potential relevance of psychosocial support for employer attractiveness. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted following the implementation of peer support structures in three German hospitals in 2022. A total of 295 healthcare workers completed an anonymous questionnaire assessing experiences with serious work-related events, perceptions of the peer support system, preferred support services, and the potential influence of psychosocial support on employer choice. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were performed. Results: Overall, 46.4% of participants reported experiencing at least one serious work-related event within the previous two years. The peer support system was perceived as a valuable resource for supporting staff and managing psychosocial stress. Participants reported benefits not only from direct use of peer support but also from knowing that support was available when needed. Negative perceptions of the peer support system were uncommon. Approximately 27% of respondents indicated that the availability of psychosocial support could influence their choice of employer. Conclusions: Peer support systems are perceived as an acceptable and beneficial approach to addressing psychosocial stress among healthcare professionals. Beyond their supportive function, such systems may be perceived as part of employer attractiveness and a feasible organizational strategy to support workforce well-being and workforce stability in healthcare settings.