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Working in healthcare industry can be a fulfilling type of job to most healthcare workers particularly when they feel satisfied and rewarded in helping individuals who have medical conditions and families dealing with any physical and clinical issues.
Maybe you have heard that healthcare industries have grown a lot in recent years, these rumors are true. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) have reported that the healthcare industry is projected to add more jobs available than any other field from 2014–2024. (Statistics, 2019)
Now, that claims have been emphasized in terms of a significant increase in job opportunities associated to healthcare, the role of Human Resources are greatly challenged. Thus, HR experienced various challenges and issues that might have a direct impact in businesses related to health. Here are some of these issues that needs to be taken into consideration by many healthcare employers: Recruitment; Wage Competition; Turnover and Retention; Training and Development and Health and Safety.
- Recruitment
Many Human Resources personnel in healthcare sectors encountered a challenging concern about recruiting a talent because they struggle more on how to maintain employee retention and engagement which is known to be the most difficult aspect of HRM in the current workforce. The main issue associated with recruitment is primarily the cost of hiring. (Garner & Garner, 2019)
In order to bridge the gap between hiring process and employee retention, employers must establish various strategies that would enhance their recruitment plan. Some of these are:
- Develop a Clear Employer Brand
- Maximize the use of Social Media
- Consider College Recruiting
- Conduct Awesome Interviews
- Find Passive Candidates and Let them Know You Want Them
- Compensation and Benefits
As the healthcare industry has becoming more in demand in the market, many healthcare sectors have been streamlining their compensation and benefits structure and policies in comparison to what other competitors have in place. Compensation and benefits can be defined as a significant aspect in the Human Resources Management as it keeps the employees motivated. It is the lifeblood of the whole organization. (Zigu)
It is quite crucial in attracting qualified pool of healthcare candidates because one reason why workers are encouraged to join the company is because of compensation and benefits package, salaries, perks and incentives offered to them. In healthcare industry, the more the compensation and benefits, the more healthcare staff loyalty and motivation are the key factors for a productive organization. It is one said, “seeing your employees in the brighter side could be an appreciating asset”.
- Turnover and Retention
According to research from Human Resources for Health, increase in number of turnover rates have a direct and indirect impact on the economic welfare of various health sector. Direct costs are tangible and could be linked with hiring and staffing new employees. On the other hand, indirect costs can be described in decrease of employee productivity, cohesion and morale that would affect the overall operational functions within the organization. This would create a negative effect on the well-being of every patients. (Zaheer et al., 2020)
In this event, it is vital for the organization to be proactive by establishing best healthcare organizational practices and procedures to enhance the quality of care and support provided to their potential clients. Promoting strategies for retention can also be a great tool for employers to minimize the number of turnover rates which includes:
- Communicate organizational expectations clearly
- Allow employees to use their talents and skills
- Provide a platform for employees to speak their minds freely
- Make staff members’ feel appreciated
- Provide quality management or supervision
- Training and Development
Some organizations do not invest in training and development because they think that it is just a waste of money and resources. Also, it puts a lot of pressure and stress to existing healthcare staff doing an extra effort of performing their daily duties and responsibilities due to sudden changes. However, as a result of rapid workforce transformation and continuous technology advancements, healthcare professionals must also take further steps to focus on their career progression by attending trainings and workshops that could develop their skills and enhance their knowledge.
After providing adequate training to staff, it is believed that they will become more confident on what they are doing, competent in terms of their skills set and improve their productivity, efficiency and quality of output. Therefore, this would create a positive impact on the overall performance of healthcare professionals in terms of financial and operational functions in the organization. (Reddy, Reddy12, Reddy, Operations and Recruitment Areas, & Operations and Recruitment Areas, 2019)
- Health and Safety
Workers’ Health and Safety are the upmost priority of each employer in various organization which oftentimes are taken for granted due to lack of understanding what are the underlying events related to such concerns. Professional staffs in healthcare sector are mostly exposed to an environment which have a high risk in terms of physical injuries and mental health issues compared to other industries. Complaints such as stress, fatigue, burnouts and other physical illnesses may hinder their daily performance and productivity. (Yassi & Hancock, 2005)
Therefore, to minimize the errors classified by Human Resources, healthcare businesses should impose a strict protocol regarding Health and Safety which should be linked to Occupational Health and Safety Act.
References:
- Garner, P., & Garner, P. (2019, December 2). 8 Employee Recruitment Strategies to Improve Your Hiring Process. Retrieved from https://technologyadvice.com/blog/human-resources/employee-recruitment-strategies/
- Vincent, J. G. (n.d.). 5 Effective Employee Retention Strategies in Healthcare. Retrieved from https://www.eaglesflight.com/blog/5-effective-employee-retention-strategies-in-healthcare
- (n.d.). Compensation & Benefits Definition, Importance & Overview: Human Resources (HR) Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.mbaskool.com/business-concepts/human-resources-hr-terms/4032-compensation-a-benefits.html
- Reddy, C., Reddy12, C., Reddy, C., Operations and Recruitment Areas, & Operations and Recruitment Areas. (2019, November 28). Staff Training: Importance, Benefits, Advantages & Disadvantages. Retrieved from https://content.wisestep.com/staff-training-importance-benefits-advantages-disadvantages/
- Yassi, A., & Hancock, T. (2005, October 15). Patient Safety – Worker Safety: Building a Culture of Safety to Improve Healthcare Worker and Patient Well-Being. Retrieved from https://www.longwoods.com/content/17659/healthcare-quarterly/patient-safety-worker-safety-building-a-culture-of-safety-to-improve-healthcare-worker-and-patien
