More Consistent Staffing
Staffing a healthcare facility is a challenge for even the most experienced manager. Unlike a production line, workload in healthcare facilities is sporadic. Overstaffing costs money, while under staffing is dangerous for patient care. Overtime can run rampant in either situation. Workforce management software for healthcare systems can help better identify those peaks and troughs in productivity, using hard data rather than imprecise guesses. This information can help manager redistribute staff, making sure there are enough healthcare workers for peak hours, less for when workload is reduced, and adequate coverage during transitional shifts to avoid overtime.Time for Time Off
Healthcare workers need their time off. The stress of working in healthcare can take its toll, physically and emotionally, and employees who aren't able to take a day or week away from the job may make mistakes or burn out. The difficulty with providing this time off is that patients don't stop coming in the door. Coverage is essential.Workforce management systems are a great way to provide that coverage while still maintaining consistent staffing. Rather than relying on managers to recognize short-staffing on top of their other duties, a software system can maintain adequate staffing and alert managers to when a time off request will result in a staff shortage. Managers can pinpoint the exact hours that need additional manpower and can staff for those hours, rather than just scheduling someone for a full day. Workforce management software for healthcare facilities provides a better way to ensure coverage while still budgeting time off for employees.
Track Employee Time Sheets
Few healthcare facilities follow a fixed schedule. Depending on workflow and department, employees are clocking in at all hours of the day and few managers are vigilantly watching who is on time and who isn't. Workforce management software for healthcare facilities is a great way to manage employee time sheets and ensure employees are working their scheduled hours. The centralization of the system and ability to divide employees by departments allows managers to keep on the pulse of what is happening in their department with a few keystrokes. Frequent absences or lateness can be addressed quickly, rather than waiting for the annual review.Decrease Costs
By optimizing staff utilization, healthcare facilities can decrease their total staffing costs. If workflow increases, a workforce management system can identify those trends and determine whether the organization can meet those needs with a part time or PRN employee. Workflow patterns can also reduce staffing imbalances where overtime is being used inappropriately or hours aren't being properly staffed. A reduction in man-hours to optimal levels not only increases patient safety, but helps reduce costs in the healthcare system.
Workforce management software for healthcare does more than just manage staff. A properly implemented system creates a safe healthcare environment by making sure patients receive optimal care and staff have adequate time off. If you aren't using workforce management systems for your facility, now is the time to start reaping the benefits of a more consistent and safe way to budget man-hours.
