August 16, 2016 | Jim Rubadue
August 16, 2016 | Jim Rubadue
Senior care scheduling is no easy task. You may not realize it, but your scheduler wears many different hats within your organization. Schedulers often play therapist, doctor and mediator for your staff as they try to fill open shifts and figure out how to get everyone the PTO they’ve requested. For schedulers that have caregiver duties in addition to scheduling, it may be difficult for them to find enough time to do both tasks.
Schedulers are also tasked with managing the big investment you’ve made in your workforce, and that can have a big impact on your bottom line. With that in mind, it makes sense to empower your scheduler to do their job well, and to keep them engaged. While many senior care organizations are addressing turnover holistically, preventing scheduler turnover specifically may get lost in the shuffle. However, it is something you should consider.
When schedulers leave, it can be a huge speed bump for senior care organizations, causing management to scramble to get the scheduling done. When scheduling gets off track it can lead to an increase in overtime, gaps in your schedule, and a lack of proactivity in managing labor costs. But scheduler turnover is likely preventable with the right tactics.
Just like any employee, schedulers want to feel valued, supported and backed-up by management. Consider reviewing the pay and benefits you offer your schedulers, and give them the proper training they need. You also want to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed--but the best way to do that may differ from your other employees. Here are a few tips to create a positive environment where your scheduler can thrive.
Though scheduling is a tough job, a little support can make a huge difference. It’s important to understand some of the struggles schedulers face and how they can result in poor job satisfaction. Maybe you’ve implemented some the above ideas—if you have, your scheduler is probably already feeling more valued. If you haven’t made a focused effort to engage your scheduler, just start with one item on the list and build from there.
One last suggestion: if your senior care organization is still using paper schedules, that can make it difficult for schedulers to do their job well. Utilize technology to help schedulers be more efficient, proactively manage overtime, and have visibility into staffing data. The result will be an experienced, well-trained and engaged scheduler that can help have a positive impact your organizations’ bottom line.Subscribe to the OnShift Blog
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About Jim Rubadue
Jim Rubadue is Chief Customer Officer at OnShift. As a seasoned manager with 20+ years of client and employee focused experience in strategy, operations, program management and business ownership, Jim has a track record of increasing customer satisfaction and product adoption.
See for yourself why thousands of providers rely on OnShift’s innovative software for recruitment, hiring, workforce management, pay and engagement. Request your personalized demo today.