The NHS has faced many challenges over the years regarding workforce management, particularly in light of the increasing demand for healthcare services and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, published in June 2023, aims to address these challenges by outlining strategies to recruit, train, and retain healthcare staff over the coming years.
One crucial aspect of this plan is the implementation of effective rostering systems, like our rostering system: Zebra, that can play a pivotal role in enhancing staff retention leading to a more sustainable and satisfied healthcare workforce.
The workforce plan sets out ambitious targets, including recruiting thousands of new nurses, doctors, and Allied Health Professionals, as well as enhancing training programs to ensure that existing staff have the skills necessary to meet evolving healthcare needs.
Critical to this plan is the recognition that staff retention is just as important as recruitment. High turnover rates not only exacerbate existing staffing shortages but also negatively impact patient care and staff morale. Therefore, the NHS must develop strategies that foster a supportive work environment, promote job satisfaction, and encourage staff to remain in their roles for the long term.
Rostering systems, like Zebra, are complex administrative software tools that help organisations schedule staff effectively, ensuring that the right number of employees with the appropriate skills are available to meet patient care demands. Effective rostering can have several significant impacts on staff retention:
Work-Life Balance: One of the biggest issues for staff leaving the NHS is the struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Advanced rostering systems can provide greater flexibility in scheduling, allowing staff to have input into their shifts and giving them the ability to effectively plan their personal commitments. By enabling staff to choose or swap shifts and easily request unavailability time, these systems can significantly enhance job satisfaction and reduce burnout. Ensuring the timely release of the rosters to staff at least 6-12 weeks in advance allows staff to plan their personal lives effectively, rostering systems play a key role in planning these releases effectively.
Reducing Overtime and Overwork: Effective rostering can help prevent overwork by ensuring that shifts are filled adequately without relying on excessive overtime. Staff who consistently work beyond their contracted hours are at a higher risk of fatigue and burnout, leading to increased turnover rates. By accurately forecasting staffing needs and distributing workloads evenly, rostering systems can help create a happier healthier workforce.
For further information, contact Emma (emma.gaulter@vitalhub.com.)