Improving employee engagement and providing fulfilling work are two strategies to improve retention and employee satisfaction. Healthcare workers want more than a paycheck—they want to perform work that makes a positive impact.
In fact, 80% of healthcare workers say finding fulfillment in their daily work is important to them, while 70% say their goal at work is to feel fulfilled in what they do, according to a company that offers workplace culture solutions.
O.C. Tanner, a company specializing in employee recognition software, explains that employees who don’t feel fulfilled at work are:
- 399% more likely to actively look for another job
- 340% more likely to leave their job within a year
- 47% less likely to put in a great deal of effort to help the organization succeed
- 71% less likely to promote the company as a great place to work
UNDERSTAND WHAT MOTIVATES HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Many organizations focus on salary and benefits to motivate employees and encourage retention. While money and perks are important, healthcare workers also want a culture that aligns with their personal values.
“Majorities of workers who quit a job in 2021 say low pay (63%), no opportunities for advancement (63%) and feeling disrespected at work (57%) were reasons why they quit,” according to Pew Research. “At least a third say each of these were major reasons why they left.”
Organizations may be surprised to know that many employees who quit their jobs—more than half according to Forbes—felt disrespected at work. “From a lack of transparency in company-wide decisions to inappropriate or dismissive behavior from one’s leadership team, disrespect in the workplace comes in all shapes and sizes,” Forbes explains.
To improve retention rates, facilities need to ensure staff feel respected and have a sense of belonging. This is especially important for millennials and Gen Z employees. In addition, facilities also need to:
- Address gender inequality in hiring and promotions
- Provide self-care for managers
- Empower, reward and recognize employees
These statistics should be a wake-up call for healthcare organizations—they need to build a sense of trust, respect and fairness with employees. Organizational culture is important to ensuring employee satisfaction.