Rota rethink helps team find their work-life balance
A radical approach to team rotas has helped to boost morale and reduce sickness rates at Barts Health.
A trial on ward 3D at St Bartholomew’s Hospital allowed nursing staff to pick their preferred shifts at the start of each month rather than be rostered by management.
After ten months 90% of staff said they would recommend the new arrangements with around 75% getting the shifts they requested.
Three quarters of staff said team-based rostering had improved their work-life balance.
There was also a dramatic reduction in the number of unplanned absences.
Team rostering gives staff the opportunity to request 100% of their contracted hours whilst ensuring safe staffing levels and the right skills mix.
Improving opportunities to work flexibly is a key part of the NHS People Promise.
No staff members left during the 10 month trial and vacancy rates on 3D reduced from 38% to 12%.
Ward manager Dora Riccio (pictured) said: "Colleagues want to stay working with us because they have the opportunity to choose their own shift pattern and find their work-life balance."
A number of engagement sessions were held before the launch and Dora organised surveys both pre and post implementation to measure the impact.
The ward manager acknowledges that despite the benefits for flexible working there was some need for management to arbitrate over requests for competing shifts and to ensure a proper balance between day and night shifts.
She said: "If staff are getting the shifts they want, it results in fewer cancelled shifts and a reduction in bank and agency usage."
The team expect to adopt team rostering on a permanent basis and are encouraging other areas of the hospital to give it a try.
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