by Healthcare is a high-stakes industry, which often faces the issue of high turnover rates. Employee retention has always been one of the biggest challenges for the healthcare industry. As Regina Temple says, retaining healthcare workers requires a uniquely strategic approach. By building and retaining a cohesive, experienced team, a healthcare facility can improve patient care and foster a positive work environment.
Regina Temple underlines a few strategies for improving healthcare staff retention
There are several factors that impact the decision of a healthcare worker to leave their current positions, including employee burnout, salaries, career development, and work-life balance. However, high turnover is not the only issue. An ageing workforce means fewer employees are available to take the place of those who leave. Moreover, it is the younger workforce that is turning over in record numbers. To ensure the smooth operations and success of their healthcare facility, therefore, one has to focus on strategies for improving healthcare staff retention.
The most efficient strategy for improving employee retention is to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. A healthcare facility must provide adequate paid time off for vacations, holidays, and sick leave, along with health insurance. If possible, in addition to healthcare coverage, they must also offer life, short- and long-term disability, hospital indemnity, and other types of insurance for the benefit of the employees. Healthcare facilities may even sponsor a retirement plan for the staff and match employee contributions up to a certain percentage. It is crucial to regularly review and adjust compensation in order to stay aligned with industry standards. Profit sharing arrangements, yearly bonuses and opportunities for physicians to become partners or shareholders in the practice may also help attract talent.
In addition to providing good compensation and benefits, a healthcare facility must promote a healthy work-life balance in meaningful ways. It is crucial to ensure that all staff members work a reasonable number of hours by offering flexible scheduling options and fostering a culture that encourages employees to stay home when they are sick and take their vacation days. Healthcare organizations must implement fair policies for sudden employee emergencies, and if an employee frequently encounters such situations, have a conversation to explore any underlying issues. If a medical practice operates from multiple locations, it would be a good idea to consider rotating staff, as some locations may present unique challenges. This approach ensures a fair work schedule for everyone.
As Regina Temple says, healthcare facilities must try to establish generous and supportive time-off policies that allow their staff members to take vacations, personal days, and parental leave without feeling guilty or overwhelmed. The staff should be encouraged to disconnect from work during their time off in order to ensure proper rest and rejuvenation.
Healthcare organizations also should focus on creating a well-designed on-boarding program that makes sure that the new employees feel welcomed and supported. The on-boarding program should help them to gain the knowledge they need to capably carry out their responsibilities. If the employees feel supported and empowered through effective on-boarding, they are more likely to be committed to the collective work of the healthcare facility.
