How To Create A Culture That Retains Employees In A Healthcare Setting
Posted: 08.15.2015Those who enter the healthcare field do so because they possess the medical and technical skills to perform their job duties, but also because they have a passion for helping others. In order to provide consistent care to your patients or residents, you must actively maintain a positive company culture. This goes far beyond offering competitive salary and benefits and extends to creating an environment that allows your team to work to their fullest potential.
Patient safety is a priority, but this shouldn’t come at the cost of your team’s safety. You must make following employee safety protocols easy to achieve. You can ensure this by having regular maintenance and repairs performed, hosting recurrent training for body mechanics and transfers, and keeping safety aides always in stock and in good condition. For senior facilities, this includes gait belts, Hoyer lifts, clean linens, and other hygiene aides.
Foster Open Lines Of Communication
According to Modern Healthcare’s “Best Places to Work in Healthcare” list for 2014, accountable leadership, positive company culture, and clear and open lines of communication were at the top of the list for facilities that ranked as some of the “best” places to work. In fact, a lack of employee trust and the inability to express honest opinions were two of the things that made a healthcare facility undesirable—so fostering open communication will go a long way in establishing a healthy company culture.
Encourage Work/Life Balance
Most healthcare facilities are open 24/7, and overtime work is often expected. While this may be the case, employees shouldn’t feel burdensome asking for earned time off. In fact, actively encourage requests for time off as an excellent opportunity to recharge, which goes a long way in reducing the likelihood of burnout. Some healthcare facilities have eliminated their vacation day rollover program in an attempt to encourage employees to take time off on a consistent basis.
Also consider offering services such as scrub laundering so there’s one less thing to take care of after hours.
Acknowledge Those Who Go Above And Beyond
Anyone who works in the healthcare field has more than a few stories to share of their colleges who go above and beyond for their patients, residents, and family. These stories are often filled with happy tears and are the moments that make a challenging time easier to bare. Celebrate such stories by acknowledging those who go above and beyond. Even though the recognition is not why they exceed expectations, nonetheless the recognition will go a long way in building a positive company culture for all.
You must always keep a close eye on your employee retention, and aim for a number not only in line with industry standards—but even lower than industry standards. If your retention is higher than usual, then there are areas of opportunity to pursue.
Published by: SeniorCare.Jobs Editorial Team
Author: Joanne Silatei
Date: 8/15/2015