Insights | Human resources and personnel issues |
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mployee morale affects the productivity of any organization, but it’s especially important in organizations that provide patient care. Low morale is associated with poor performance, conflicts that can disrupt patient care, and loss of revenue for your organization. In healthcare situations, these negative effects can lead to poor patient experiences due to unmotivated staff not treating or supporting patients with the highest standards of quality of care. This is especially relevant during this time as the COVID-19 pandemic has spread a feeling of uncertainty and anxiety within the medical community. As a physician or practice manager, it’s vital to the success of your practice that leadership openly communicate and address opportunities to positively impact the morale and well-being of the staff.
How to build morale during a crisis By Dana Pietras, PHR, SHRM-CP
14 PE GI Journal June 2020
When staff morale is high, productivity increases. Satisfied healthcare workers are cheerful, attentive to the needs of their patients, willing to go the extra mile, and display a positive attitude. This will improve the overall patient experience, which is key. When it is low, staff members are less motivated to work. Healthcare workers with low morale have decreased productivity and increased insubordination, conflicts with co-workers, disorganized work methods, routine complaints about seemingly insignificant work-related issues, and an uptick in patient complaints regarding the employee’s behavior. Low morale increases turnover rates, too, and the constant flow of workers can drastically reduce overall productivity as new employees tend to complete tasks more slowly. The national nurse turnover rate was 17.2% in 2018, and CNA turnover rate was nearly 32% that year. According to Forbes Media, LLC, 46% of American businesses have implemented
Image: iStock.com/AaronAmat and LueratSatichob
Inspiring Your Team
Why Morale Is Important to Your Practice
