Employer Resource

How to Retain Your Staff

Retaining healthcare employees is crucial for maintaining a stable and skilled workforce in the healthcare industry. This is one thing that we feel everyone knows but is struggling to achieve. We have had some failures and successes when it comes to this also but here are a few strategies that we have found to be successful in retaining employees:

1. Competitive Compensation: Offering competitive salaries and benefits is essential for attracting and retaining talented healthcare professionals. Regularly review and adjust compensation packages to ensure they are in line with industry standards and reflect the value of employees' skills and contributions.

2. Work-Life Balance: Promote work-life balance by implementing flexible scheduling options, such as part-time or shift-sharing arrangements. Long gone are the days of having a set schedule and you expect employees to conform to your needs. This generation understands the importance and value of their personal time. 

3. Professional Development Opportunities: Provide opportunities for professional growth and development. Offer continuing education programs, workshops, conferences, and mentorship programs to help employees enhance their skills and knowledge. Find the staff that wants to grow and grow them before they outgrow you.

4. Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize and appreciate employees for their hard work and achievements. Regularly acknowledge their contributions through verbal praise, written notes, or formal recognition programs. I know it feels corny but everyone loves recognition!

5. Employee Engagement: Foster a culture of employee engagement by involving them in decision-making processes, seeking their input, and valuing their opinions. Encourage open communication channels, where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns and providing feedback. Actively listen to their suggestions and make efforts to implement feasible ideas.

6. Strong Leadership and Management: Effective leadership and management are crucial for retaining healthcare employees. Ensure that leaders and managers are trained to support and motivate their teams. Provide leadership development programs to enhance their communication, conflict resolution, and team-building skills.

7. Employee Wellness Programs: Implement wellness programs that focus on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of employees. Offer resources such as counseling services, stress management workshops, health screenings, and fitness initiatives. Prioritizing employee wellness helps create a supportive and healthy work environment.

8. Positive Organizational Culture: Foster a positive organizational culture that promotes teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect. Encourage a supportive environment where employees feel valued and connected to their colleagues. Regularly communicate the facility's mission, values, and goals to ensure alignment and foster a sense of purpose. If you don’t have one, make one!

9. Competitive Work Environment: Stay aware of industry trends and benchmark against other healthcare organizations. Ensure that your workplace environment, equipment, and technology are up-to-date and competitive. Most healthcare employees are looking for a facility that has the right tools to make their job easier. It’s the simple things like making sure your staff doesn’t have to look all over the facility for linen to do their job. Always inquire about what you can do to make their job easier. You’ll be surprised at the low-hanging fruit that you can take care of easily!

Remember, retaining employees requires ongoing effort and attention. Regularly assess employee satisfaction through conversations, surveys, and exit interviews to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments. My bet is that if you start interviewing 3 random staff members a week asking “What do you need to make your job easier” (and more staff can’t be the answer) you will create a better working environment rapidly!