The recent NHS Staff Survey results revealed high-stress levels and burnout among hard-working healthcare staff. National Nurses Day has been and gone. So, it's a perfect time for NHS and other healthcare companies to start looking at how they look after their people.
Across the service, there was a decline in those feeling optimistic about their career within the NHS. In particular, the rewards and recognition area of the survey suffered a significant decrease in satisfaction.
48% of staff were not satisfied with their recognition for their hard work, marking a 5% decline in satisfaction from the 2020 survey. At the same time, only 42% were satisfied with how their organisation values their work, a 6% decline from the previous year. These satisfaction levels were the lowest in five years.
Why Does the NHS Need to Keep Their Workers?
The number of people who have thought about leaving the NHS has risen by 4% to 31%. In addition, the number of NHS workers who would recommend working in the NHS has decreased from 67% to 59%.
At a time when the NHS is experiencing staff shortages, there is a mounting need to ensure its employees feel valued. The NHS Staff Survey noted the NHS’ response, whereby they concluded that to restore staff satisfaction, they need to boost staff numbers to reduce the pressure on existing employees.
Consequently, many NHS trusts have taken positive steps to ensure that their employees feel appreciated for their hard work.
NHS Trusts Improve Perks at Work Following The NHS Staff Survey
Many Trusts have begun to implement strategies to increase their employee engagement. Specifically, many have partnered with a rewards and recognition platform Each Person to say thank you for your hard work. Through Each Person, many NHS Trusts have provided peer-to-peer recognition for their workers. By using the platform, one trust, in particular, has sent over 3,300 Ecards to recognise their people’s work helping meet their People Promise. They have even planted over 4,153 trees after joining.
Why Are Rewards and Recognition Important For Healthcare Workers?
The NHS Staff Survey highlights the unfathomable amount of pressure that frontline workers suffered due to the unprecedented COVID 19 pandemic in 2021. Doctors, nurses, and many other healthcare professionals not only cared for those suffering from the virus but risked their health to do so.
NHS workers deserve to be rewarded and recognised due to their hard work and dedication to caring for the public. With the rise in the cost of living, NHS employees will undoubtedly feel the pressure. Implementing an inclusive, accessible and effective rewards scheme can offer Healthcare workers an opportunity to see they are thought of and appreciated.
It is vital to look after Healthcare workers across the UK before, during and after the pandemic. After all, they are arguably the backbone of our wellbeing.
To find out more about how Each Person can help improve your workplace, contact us at support@eachperson.com or visit https://www.eachperson.com/about/
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