The Covid 19 pandemic exposed and magnified an already fragile healthcare labor market. Once the dust settled, hospitals once again found themselves trying to improve their staffing workflows. There is no simple or single answer to the problem, and the situation must be solved while hospitals continue to fight a constant battle to meet patient needs while managing resources effectively. As demands shift and evolve, many facilities look towards contingent labor for quick fixes. But what if there was another solution hiding right under their noses? Enter internal mobility—a powerful strategy that leverages existing staff to fill gaps and enhance operations. Not only does this approach foster a more engaged workforce, but it also leads to improved patient care outcomes.
The Power of Internal Mobility
Internal mobility is a term used to describe a more fluid staffing model that enables hospitals to expand the skills and talents of their current workforce enabling a more fluid and flexible internal workforce. This approach encourages staff to explore different roles within the organization, fostering a culture of growth and development.
When employees feel valued and see opportunities for advancement, they are more likely to stay engaged. This not only boosts morale but also reduces turnover rates—a critical factor in maintaining continuity of care for patients.
Moreover, leveraging existing talent can lead to quicker and cost-effective onboarding processes. When internal candidates transition to new roles, they already understand the organizational culture and procedures. This inherent familiarity streamlines operations and enhances team dynamics.
Emphasizing internal mobility creates an adaptable workforce, ready to respond swiftly during times of increased patient demand or staffing shortages. The ripple effect positively impacts both employee satisfaction and overall hospital efficiency.
Getting Started
As with any long-term complex issue, there isn’t a simple fix, and hospital leadership might not see improvement or benefit for months, or even years, after implementing a staffing strategy that empowers staff to improve and diversify their skills to improve the opportunities available to them. When employees can shift roles, they often feel more satisfied and engaged in their work. This flexibility promotes career growth and skill development.
Finding the right technology that will integrate with current scheduling and HRIS tools to identify vacant shifts and the right people to fill them can be challenging. Most hospitals achieving success in building an internal mobility program have opted to treat this pool as an additional layer of workers who receive priority in filling vacant shifts and are incentivized above current external pools or travel staff when distributing jobs. Simpliant has created a seamless way to not only recognize holes in the schedule, but a way to distribute them to an internal pool first via a robust yet simple workforce portal.
Moreover, internal mobility reduces the disruptive impacts of hiring contingent labor. Staff who know the organization well can adapt quickly and maintain operational continuity during staffing shortages.
All these factors contribute to a healthier workplace culture, benefiting everyone involved—staff members thrive while providing better service for patients seeking comfort and support during difficult times.
A Win-Win Strategy
Harnessing the potential of internal mobility creates a symbiotic relationship between healthcare organizations and their staff. By prioritizing the development and movement of current employees, hospitals can optimize their workforce without relying heavily on contingent labor.
This strategy not only fills staffing gaps quickly but also fosters a culture of loyalty among employees. When staff members see opportunities for growth within their organization, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed to patient care. This reduces turnover rates, a significant challenge in healthcare staffing.
Moreover, patients benefit from continuity of care as familiar faces attend to their needs. A stable workforce leads to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction levels, ultimately enhancing the reputation of the facility.
Embracing this win-win approach positions healthcare facilities not just as employers but as nurturing environments where both patients and professionals thrive together.
