"Burnout" has become a buzzword across hospitals and health systems, a snappy name for the exhaustion, depersonalization and loss of interest dragging down an overexerted workforce. But burnout is more than a well-worn descriptor for tired providers; its effects on the healthcare industry are palpable.

As burnout continues to increase, more healthcare workers look to exit the short-staffed profession. And hospitals and healthcare systems, recognizing the importance of invigorated providers, have elevated the discussion to the executive level.

Chief wellness officers are responsible for the well-being of their respective enterprises' workforces, and for many their work began long before they were named to the C-suite. Becker's connected with four chief wellness officers to discuss burnout — and strategies to reduce it.