Challenged by the Current Employment Market? Think differently!

Whether staffing for growth or simply to maintain, many healthcare organizations today are facing difficulty in filling positions critical to clinical and business execution. What was once a challenge has now, in certain instances, become a crisis. Here are three solutions to consider if you are struggling to maintain functionality due to low employment levels and rising employment costs.

Carefully evaluate the actual functional work being done in any role that is understaffed. Often, such positions perform a variety of duties, some of which may be reallocated to others. By offloading unnecessary tasks from a given functional role, capacity is created, and full-time equivalent (FTE) requirements for the specific function may be correspondingly reduced. Focusing on role content and workflow design may not reduce the total headcount required, but it can shift employment needs to newly created roles that are easier to fill.          

Never underestimate the value of emotional compensation. Cash pay matters significantly, but there are other things that your workforce values. Examples include flex time, time off, workplace services, and added lifestyle conveniences. These elements of non-cash compensation may vary by position and functional roles, and it’s important to understand what is important to your valued team members. When in doubt, ask. 

3. Accept a Remote Workforce

If the job can be effectively done from an off-site home office, consider structuring it as a remote role. Doing so significantly increases the pool of potential employees, as geographic limitations are removed. Additionally, the tangible savings enjoyed by a remote employee (i.e., cost of transportation, parking, municipal taxes, meals) equate to real compensation when one compares opportunities.

In times of challenge, leaders who are willing to think differently, act with urgency, and make effective decisions stand to differentiate their organizations. For certain, competitive pay is important in the current labor environment. The best leaders, however, will go beyond simply paying more and instead take this as an opportunity to courageously think and purposefully act.