Although medical facilities handle serious illnesses and injuries every day, treating high employee turnover is an even greater challenge.
Burnout, workforce shortages, and a lack of advancement opportunities are just some of the reasons why a staggering 60% of healthcare support employees plan to leave their jobs in the next five years. This turnover not only affects the continuity of patient care but also impacts the overall morale and productivity of healthcare teams.
That’s why nursing homes, hospitals, and other facilities need effective strategies to improve retention rates.
Turnover among healthcare employees stems from a variety of factors, many of which are unique to the demands of their industry. Understanding the following factors is critical to mitigating turnover efficiently:
Addressing these underlying causes of turnover requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving work conditions, providing opportunities for growth and development, enhancing communication and support, recognizing employee contributions, and fostering a positive organizational culture.
Employers who prioritize these or any areas that impact employee wellbeing and engagement are more likely to retain skilled professionals and maintain a stable workforce.
Employee retention in healthcare is about more than achieving favorable results for a medical facility — it’s about delivering quality patient care.
By reducing turnover and retaining skilled and qualified staff, organizations can save on recruitment expenses and maintain a stable workforce.
Responding to healthcare employee turnover challenges requires effective strategies for improveing retention rates and enhancing employee satisfaction.
Offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages is a key strategy for retaining healthcare professionals. These incentives demonstrate the organization values its employees and invests in their wellbeing and career development.
Conduct regular salary reviews to ensure pay equity and adjust compensation based on market standards. Additionally, provide benefits such as healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.
Learn More: The 14 Best Employee Benefits to Dazzle Your Talent
It’s no secret healthcare professionals often face demanding work schedules and high levels of stress. Promoting work-life balance via flexible work environments can help prevent burnout and improve retention rates.
Implement flexible scheduling options, allow for remote work when feasible, and encourage employees to take breaks and vacations. Providing resources for stress management, mental health support, and wellness programs can also contribute to a healthier work environment.
Create pathways for career advancement within the organization. When employees see a clear path for advancement, they’re more likely to stay committed to their roles. What’s more, research shows offering continuing education for employees positively impacts patient outcomes.
Offer training programs, mentorship opportunities, and support for professional certifications or higher education. Encourage employees to set career goals and provide opportunities for growth and development.
Your team deserves recognition for their hard work. Show them you appreciate their contributions and achievements through verbal appreciation, bonuses, awards, or promotions.
Gallup research shows a huge opportunity for medical facilities, stating recognition can make employees feel four times more connected to the organization.
Acknowledge milestones like years of service, successful projects, or positive patient feedback. Celebrating accomplishments boosts morale, fosters a positive work culture, and reinforces employee loyalty.
Learn More: 16 Employee Appreciation Ideas to Show Gratitude
Foster a supportive and inclusive work culture where employees feel valued, respected, and heard.
Encourage open communication, transparency, and collaboration among team members. Address conflicts and issues promptly and provide opportunities for feedback and suggestions. A positive work environment contributes to employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention.
Gallup also found a link between employee engagement and retention, so it’s worth keeping employees engaged and connected to the organization's mission and values.
Communicate regularly about organizational goals, initiatives, and updates. Involve employees in decision-making processes and seek their input on improving workflows or patient care. Encourage teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of purpose among staff members.
When employees do leave the organization, conduct exit interviews to understand their reasons for departure and gather valuable feedback.
Use this information to identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to enhance retention efforts. Addressing common concerns or issues raised during exit interviews can help prevent future turnover.
Employee retention in healthcare is a multifaceted challenge that requires proactive strategies and a commitment to creating a positive work environment with the employee experience in mind. Prioritizing employee wellbeing and engagement is not only beneficial for the workforce but also for the overall success of healthcare institutions and the patients for whom they care.
By integrating technology solutions tailored to the healthcare industry, facilities can enhance their retention efforts and create a more efficient and supportive environment for their workforce. Modern HCM platforms include:
Request a demo today to see how Paylocity’s integrated platform can make your medical facility an even better place to work.
Now, more than ever, employees want more career development opportunities from their employers. The right Learning Management System (LMS) can help develop new skills while training your workforce on company policies, products, and more. Empower your employees to grow professionally with LMS, a modern, mobile solution that fits different learning styles and connects to your existing systems and processes.