Healthcare managers are faced with multiple issues within their departments. One of the largest issues is maintaining good staff. A educated and professional workforce in healthcare is pivotal to the success of a department. What does it take then to keep healthcare workers? With such a large demand for staffing, it is imperative that healthcare managers understand the needs of their employees and staff. They need to understand the stresses and problems that may occur with supplies, long hours, less pay and lack of transparency at times. In addition, they need to create a culture for success. This culture needs to include better safety, inclusion, and have a strong goal to reduce the sufferings of patients. Staff needs the ability to meet the needs of patients and help them recover.
The article, “What Makes Health Care Workers Stay in Their Jobs?” by Patrick Ryan and Thomas Lee take a closer look at why healthcare staff has a large roll over and what key components to focus on to keep staff. Healthcare managers can play a key role in preventing roll over of staff by creating a good culture within the department that focuses both on employee and patient respect. The article states,
“Leaders must be clear about their values, their commitment to safety, the reduction of suffering, and a culture of respect and inclusion. They must prove their authenticity by committing to measuring how things are going on these issues, being transparent with the findings, and using them to improve. The result will be greater workforce loyalty and resilience, which will translate to better performance of all types.”
“What Makes Health Care Workers Stay in Their Jobs?. Patrick Ryan and Thomas Lee. March 2nd, 2023. Harvard Business Review.
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Commentary
Employee retention is the ability of an organization to keep its staff for an extended period of time. In healthcare, employee retention is critical because it directly affects patient outcomes. When healthcare organizations experience high staff turnover rates, patient care and satisfaction can suffer. High turnover rates can also result in increased costs associated with recruitment, training, and lost productivity. Healthcare Managers can play a key role in reducing turnover
Why Employee Retention is Crucial for Healthcare Managers
Healthcare managers need to value their employees and staff as persons and professionals. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and provide quality care to patients. High staff turnover rates can lead to a decrease in staff morale, which can lead to a decrease in patient satisfaction and an increase in medical errors.
The Cost of Turnover in Healthcare
The cost of employee turnover in healthcare can be significant. It includes the direct costs associated with recruitment, hiring, and training, as well as the indirect costs associated with lost productivity and decreased patient satisfaction. The healthcare industry is also facing a shortage of skilled workers, which makes it even more important for healthcare managers to retain their employees.
Factors that Contribute to High Turnover Rates in Healthcare
Several factors contribute to high turnover rates in healthcare. One of the most significant factors is burnout. Healthcare workers are often overworked and underappreciated, which can lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction. Other factors include inadequate compensation, limited opportunities for professional development and growth, poor communication, and lack of work-life balance.
Strategies for Reducing Staff Turnover in Healthcare
Retaining employees in healthcare requires a multifaceted approach. The following strategies can help reduce staff turnover rates in healthcare organizations:
Building a Positive Work Culture in Healthcare
Building a positive work culture is essential for retaining employees in healthcare. A positive work culture includes a supportive and collaborative work environment, open communication, and recognition and appreciation for employees’ contributions. Healthcare managers can create a positive work culture by promoting teamwork, providing opportunities for social interaction, and encouraging employee feedback.
Providing Opportunities for Professional Development and Growth
Healthcare workers want to feel like they are growing and developing professionally. Providing opportunities for professional development and growth can help retain employees in healthcare. Healthcare managers can provide training and development programs, offer tuition reimbursement, and provide opportunities for career advancement.
Offering Competitive Compensation and Benefits Packages
Compensation and benefits packages are important factors in attracting and retaining employees in healthcare. Healthcare managers should offer competitive salaries, bonuses, and benefits packages, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Improving Communication and Transparency within the Organization
Effective communication and transparency are critical for retaining employees in healthcare. Healthcare managers should communicate regularly with their staff, be transparent about organizational changes and decisions, and encourage employee feedback. This can help create a sense of trust and loyalty among employees.
Creating a culture that values the patient as well is key. When staff recognizes that management cares about the patient beyond the bottom dollar, then their vocational calling to provide excellent care is also re-energized. Healthcare Managers can lead by example and show the same compassion for patients and also understand the concerns staff may have in caring for patients due to lack of resources.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Retaining Healthcare Employees
Retaining employees in healthcare is crucial for the success of healthcare organizations and the well-being of patients. Healthcare managers can reduce staff turnover rates by building a positive work culture, providing opportunities for professional development and growth, offering competitive compensation and benefits packages, and improving communication and transparency within the organization. By implementing these strategies, healthcare managers can create a supportive and engaging work environment that attracts and retains skilled and dedicated employees.
If you would like to learn more about healthcare management and keys in retaining staff, then please review AIHCP’s Healthcare Management Certification Program. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified healthcare professionals looking to enter into the management field within healthcare. Please review the program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.
Additional Resources
“Tracking Turnover Among Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study”. Observational Study. 2022 Apr 8;3(4):e220371.
“5 strategies for improving employee retention in healthcare”. June 7TH, 2021. Dignity Health. Access here
“Understanding the American Nursing Shortage”. S. Behring. August 11th, 2021. Healthline. Access here
“What’s Really Behind the Nursing Shortage? 1,500 Nurses Share Their Stories”. Kathleen Gaines. October 10th, 2022. Nurse.org. Access here