Staff shortages continue to be a daunting challenge for the Healthcare industry. A sharp rise in staff resignations has recently magnified this – placing the Healthcare sector as the second-largest industry impacted by the “Great Resignation.”
As medical practices double down on measures to recover from these workforce turbulences by increasing recruitment efforts, it’s essential to understand what candidates expect from your business to attain them as new hires.
These days, healthcare candidates are not just evaluating compensation and benefits packages as they consider joining your team. They gauge what business technology you’re invested in that supports a collaborative work culture, safe work environments, flexible work/life balance, and career growth opportunities.
Do you currently have the technology to support these? Read on to learn which tools you need if you want potential hires to choose your medical practice.
Collaboration and communication software
Effective communication is vital in every workplace, especially in healthcare. Strong teamwork and communication are essential as one of the most dynamic working environments.
Our Clinics Industry Report revealed healthcare staff reported quality of communication as a top pain point in the workplace. New hires want to be assured that medical practices have a collaboration system to work with their colleagues and departments effectively.
They expect a central platform to easily collect feedback, share ideas, exchange shift handover notes, and keep up with updates. And, in turn, feel connected to their peers, work, and patients.
Workplace safety tools
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, candidates want to be assured they will be safe at their next job site. They expect medical practices to have technology in place that effectively manages COVID-19 related workforce challenges and puts them at minimal risk of exposure.
Reassure new hires that your practice prioritizes their safety by using software that proactively manages pre-shift health checks, notes vaccination statuses, and runs contact-tracing reports for staff who test positive.
Staff scheduling app
Many candidates want more control and flexibility regarding their work schedules so they can achieve a healthy work/life balance. From our survey of more than 500 health professionals, problems with work schedules were one of the top three pain points in the workplace.
With a staff scheduling app, you can show potential hires that you value work-life balance and autonomy at your practice.
If they want to pick up additional hours, swap shifts with another qualified colleague, update their availability, or submit time-off requests – they can independently do so using any device.
Catarina Buffalino, Director of Ultrasound from Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology, shared that a staff scheduling app has “allowed her staff to take control of their schedules and ultimately take control of their lives.”
Professional growth systems
Many healthcare professionals seek new job opportunities that support career growth and development. Our recent State of Shift Work report revealed 17% of current healthcare workers disliked having limited career options at their current jobs.
Stand out from recruiting competitors by providing cloud-based learning management systems like Litmos or SkyPrep. These systems offer healthcare-focused courses and programs where staff can earn certifications or boost their expertise in different medical areas at their own pace from any mobile device.
New hires are more inclined to accept offers and even stay longer at businesses that invest in their professional development.
How to retain new hires for the long run
While it’s important to attain new talent in light of labour shortages, retaining them for the long term is equally significant.
Uncover what essential tools practice managers invest in to keep staff happy and motivated, and deliver high-quality care.
Download Staff Retention Tools Every Practice Manager Needs to see how your practice compares and if you are missing any essential software.