Healthcare facilities need productive employees, those who make the most of every minute they are on the clock. The global pandemic showed how difficult this profession is, and many healthcare workers are burned out.
How can a healthcare facility increase productivity in the workplace while ensuring employees are cared for? The following five areas should be considered when working to achieve this goal.
New Technology
Invest in communications apps that will streamline reports, schedules, and more, or improve workflow efficiency for nurses by upgrading computer workstations. However, ensure the staff is fully trained to use this technology. Cross-training employees ensures someone will be able to pick up the slack if an employee cannot perform their duties for any reason.
Use technology to request employee feedback or purchase project management software to assist with administrative tasks. Medicine continues to advance at an amazing rate. Every medical facility needs to ensure the technology being used does the same.
Workplace Communication
Clear and efficient communication is essential in healthcare. Miscommunication may lead to medical malpractice claims or the death of a patient. Avoid this by improving communication channels.
As previously mentioned, technology is one way this may be accomplished. Publish standards of practice to ensure all employees understand what is expected. In addition, lines of communication need to remain open at all times.
When an employee feels they aren’t being heard, they become less productive. Listen to employee concerns and try to address them. Although this isn’t always possible, an employee who makes a suggestion feels valued when this suggestion is considered by those who have the power to make changes.
Invest in Leadership
A person may be an outstanding medical professional, but they also must be an effective leader if they are tasked with overseeing other employees. A healthcare leader should empower and inspire those who work under them.
If an employee is lacking in this area, help them develop these skills. Leaders who lack people skills create a toxic environment. Nobody will come to work or be productive when they get there if they work in this type of atmosphere.
Mentors help those who need leadership skills. Consider pairing someone who is lacking in these skills with someone who excels in this area. Doing so can produce excellent results in little time.
The Right Team
Healthcare facilities need to invest in finding the right team members. Top talent helps to improve the productivity of the workplace in several ways. Employees see that the organization is striving to improve.
In addition, they see that the company wants only the best people for open positions. They have been chosen to be a part of this team, which instills them with pride. As a result, they want to show the hiring team that they made the right choice. To do so, they put forth their best effort.
Employee Well-Being
Medical professionals often suffer from chronic stress and other mental health issues. Employers need to recognize this and make the emotional health of employees a priority. When they do so, employees become more productive.
Implement an employee wellness program. Help employees find a good balance between work and home. Offer flexible schedules when possible. These are only three of countless ways a healthcare facility can improve employee well-being and productivity across the organization.
A lack of productivity in the workplace harms any organization. When it affects healthcare, lives may be on the line. Be proactive in finding ways to improve productivity and watch outcomes improve in every area.
