I'm struggling with being in a management position with the "new" work culture.

Anonymous

November 7,2023 at 11:26PM UTC

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I'm struggling with being in a management position with the "new" work culture. For background I work in healthcare in an area where there is no ability to lower work output for the day as patient care would suffer. I am seeing more and more online posts from employees about what the company owes them but that they owe the company nothing. That when a time off request is put in the employee is letting the employer know they wont be in that day not asking for that day off. We do not make a habit of denying requests and work with staff to make sure they are able to use their time when they want or need to while balancing the needs of the department. Even so, on the rare ocassion we do need to deny or request changes I'm seeing more and more pushback and my staff will openly complain or call out sick that day anyway. When the department is short it becomes a stressful day for those working. I understand and appreciate work life balance but we seem to be loosing the focus of patient care and curtesy to your coworkers. I am working overtime to cover leaves, sick calls, and vacations doing my managment position as well as floor coverage and all I seem to be getting is hostility. There is no working together for a common cause anymore or being respectful to eachother. Any advice for how to cope with the constant abuse from staff?

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AnonymousNovember 8,2023 at 1:57AM UTC
More staff and staff available for coverage so resources aren't lacking.
AnonymousNovember 8,2023 at 1:17PM UTC
I would LOVE that but unfortunately the company doesn't have infinite resources :( and we do not have the funds to increase staff
Pam GreenNovember 9,2023 at 3:26PM UTC
Sounds like you may need to set your own boundaries around not working overtime to fill gaps that are the result of the company’s inability to hire at appropriate levels. The staff getting burnt out results in more people leaving which puts you working even more. Sadly, the patient care will suffer. And it’s necessary sometimes to allow the natural consequences to occur to invoke change.
AnonymousNovember 8,2023 at 3:10PM UTC
Does the organization you work for have a scheduling app or is affiliated with a PRN pool of staff that can come in with a 3 to 4 hour notice? Many in healthcare are using these apps to insure shifts are covered or picked up when an urgent need arises. You are so right, entitlement seems to be more prevalent in healthcare settings. It's really shameful and a complete lack of professional courtesy in a profession which requires careful hand on patient care. With healthcare staff shortages nationally, it's not always easy to hire on more staff.
AnonymousNovember 9,2023 at 4:24PM UTC
Have you tried increasing transparency? Many times, management makes decisions but fails to inform their staff of the rationale behind that decision. As a result, workers feel like the decision was capricious and dismissive of their legitimate needs.
Perhaps consider a mass email pretty much saying what you've stated here --- but tailor the message so people are more receptive. For example:
"We at X understand the importance of work-life balance to overall health and productivity. We strive to honor all time off requests whenever possible. However, there are times when our patient needs exceed our ability to meet them when too many staff members are out at once. While management understands that sometimes, unavoidable emergencies arise, we also need our team members to understand that one person's absence impacts the group. We're all in this together."
From there, you could review the current policy and inform the team of any changes you're considering to address the staffing issues. Many times, people will cooperate voluntarily if they understand the bigger picture and don't feel like you're acting capriciously. Those staff that have the team mindset you want to cultivate will comply. Those that grumble may need intervention or may choose to leave of their own accord.
Just my two cents. It's been my experience that people are willing to take one for the team --- IF they know they are taking one for the team and are appreciated for that effort. When they only feel the whip, they get resentful and persist in bad behavior. Most folks are reasonable and want to do their part.
LORI-ANN BURLINGAMENovember 10,2023 at 11:04PM UTC
I have over 30 years of business experience and worked as a labor relations specialist for a heathcare provider. There needs to be boundaries, because many people view kindness and weakness.
Have you considered having a group meeting to discuss the areas that need improvement? As well as, the areas that are strong?
In addition, how well do you know the company's employee handbooks and union contracts? Knowledge is power. Union workers can be bullies.
Do you have a mentor in the company? You need to make a list of your goals for the department, your staff, and youself. Discussing these changes with your staff may be a real challenge, but you need to stay strong and focused.