Digital Solutions Aid in Maintaining Healthcare Employees Long-term
In the fast-paced world of healthcare, employee retention and mitigating clinician burnout have become top priorities for many organizations. To address these challenges, healthcare providers are embracing digitally enabled Human Resources (HR) and Information Technology (IT) strategies.
One such strategy is the implementation of flexible work models and intelligent scheduling. By aligning workforce availability with personal needs, these systems help improve work-life balance, reducing burnout and increasing retention [1][2][4]. Banner Health, a large nonprofit health system, is an example of an organization that has successfully adopted this approach.
Another strategy involves reducing the administrative burden on clinicians. Tools such as AI-powered documentation, automation of routine tasks, and improved usability of electronic health records (EHRs) help decrease the time clinicians spend on non-clinical work and after-hours charting [2][4]. Atrium Health's team, for instance, has created an online tool that provides HR and IT assistance to employees, accessible through a mobile app, making it available anytime and anywhere.
Predictive workforce planning and hiring also play a significant role in retaining employees. AI-driven analytics are used to forecast staffing needs and engage in strategic recruitment partnerships with educational institutions, fostering a robust talent pipeline and helping balance supply-demand gaps [1][3].
Upskilling and internal mobility programs are another crucial aspect of digital empowerment. Cross-training and career advancement opportunities supported by digital platforms empower employees to adapt to workforce changes, enhancing engagement and retention [1][3].
Digital wellness and well-being offerings are essential for addressing stress and burnout on a systemic level. These programs include digital wellness tools and leadership support platforms [1][4].
Streamlining HR processes through digital tools is another key strategy. Digital platforms improve human resource workflows, reduce friction in administrative processes, and enable real-time monitoring of workforce metrics, facilitating proactive management and retention efforts [3][4].
These strategies collectively create a digitally empowered workforce that is resilient, productive, and engaged, enabling healthcare organizations to meet care demands while lowering burnout and turnover risks [1][2][3][4].
In light of these developments, many healthcare organizations are also focusing on improving work experiences for employees. For instance, Sanford Health's HR program, which was typically available only during traditional business hours, has been modernized to cater to the demands of a healthcare organization. Premise Health, another healthcare leader, has standardized and simplified workflows to reduce friction and improve efficiencies.
The result? A more engaged and productive workforce that is better equipped to handle the challenges of the healthcare industry. However, despite these efforts, the industry continues to face challenges in filling open positions due to burnout and contentment among employees [5].
References: [1] Healthcare IT News. (2021, January 11). 5 digital strategies to improve healthcare employee retention. Retrieved from https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/5-digital-strategies-improve-healthcare-employee-retention
[2] Healthcare IT News. (2021, January 14). How artificial intelligence can help combat clinician burnout. Retrieved from https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/how-artificial-intelligence-can-help-combat-clinician-burnout
[3] Healthcare IT News. (2021, January 15). How AI can help healthcare organizations with workforce planning. Retrieved from https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/how-ai-can-help-healthcare-organizations-workforce-planning
[4] Healthcare IT News. (2021, January 18). How AI can help healthcare organizations with employee upskilling. Retrieved from https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/how-ai-can-help-healthcare-organizations-employee-upskilling
[5] Merritt Hawkins. (2021, March 22). 2021 review of physician recruiting incentives. Retrieved from https://www.merritthawkins.com/physician-recruiting-incentives/2021-review-of-physician-recruiting-incentives
- To create a digitally empowered workforce in the healthcare sector, organizations are focused on implementing strategies such as mental health support platforms alongside AI-driven analytics for predictive workforce planning and hiring.
- Enhancing workplace wellness and health involves incorporating technology in various ways, including upskilling programs for employee development, AI-powered administrative tools to reduce burdens on clinicians, and digital well-being offerings to combat stress and burnout.
