3 Ways To Improve Lab Retention

With a silver tsunami of Baby Boomers and a growing demand for services, today’s cardiovascular labs are very fast paced as they race to meet patient needs.  However, many labs are struggling with turnover and faced with running on short staff.

From this scenario you can see why improving retention a top priority for many organizations.    In fact, according to a recent survey about 81.8 percent of healthcare organizations say retention is a top priority.¹   Turnover is costly.  But it doesn’t stop there.  High turnover goes beyond initial dollar figures and impacts lab efficiency, training, staff workload, morale, employee satisfaction and care quality—costing even more.

Here are 3 ways to improve morale, retention and boost lab performance.

Remove frustrating barriers

Some lab staff truly enjoy their jobs. Others may get frustrated with paperwork, processes, procedures, the new equipment demands or the overall pace.  Unfortunately, this frustration can grow into a better job somewhere else. One of the best ways to combat this is to ask employees about their frustrations and then put a plan together to address them.  Including their input on how to address them can make them feel like a part of the solution and give them more ownership of the overall initiative.

Create a career path for advancement

When your team members see that their peers are being offered exciting new opportunities or promotions it can improve morale and boost motivation and performance.  So it’s important to have a career path for each person on your team. 

If you don’t have one, then you may want to map one out for each person.  Or if you do have one, then make sure you share the path with each team member and regularly revisit it either during annual or mid-year reviews.  With advancement opportunities in sight, you’ll find your team is a more motivated one.

Provide opportunities for learning

Employees want to feel competent and up-to-date with the latest technology and procedure changes.  An ongoing learning system – such as online training—can help employees improve their knowledge, earn continuing education credits and study for certification exams.

Learning opportunities also create a sense of value.  When employees feel valued – because the organization is making an investment in them – then they are more likely to stay.  As a result, this improves morale and retention which can ultimately help you improve lab performance. 

To learn more about education opportunities for your staff, take a look at our FREE Hospital Training Guide.  Download it now!

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