With summer here and in full swing, it means longer days, higher temperatures, and plenty of sunshine. As these pleasant thoughts of summer are in the air, what are some simple ways to give your providers and staff work-life balance during the summer months?
Sunny Days Ahead: Ways to Provide Your Staff With Work-Life Balance This Summer
To achieve a positive work-life balance during the summer, FQHCs can implement a few simple strategies that will significantly improve the summer experience for clinic providers and staff. By adjusting work schedules, providing outdoor spaces, and hosting clinic events, these strategies will go a long way to saying ‘thank you’ for all the work they do year-round, supporting the clinic and patient community.
Adjusted Schedules and Remote Work Opportunities
Flexible Schedules and Part-Time Opportunities
With many providers and staff members heading off to the beach and other adventures this summer, granting employees more control over their schedules is a great way to reward their hard work. Whether a clinic provides the option of flexible hours or part-time opportunities, this can help improve work-life balance for providers and staff in the summer, especially when the kids are out of school and family vacations are taking place. For example, many FQHC clinics have extended hours. If your clinic is open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Monday through Friday, a provider or staff member should be given the choice of working a three, four, or five-day workweek, while still maintaining full-time employment. Also, clinics should allow providers and staff to shift to part-time work during the summer season if they need to accommodate family commitments.
Remote Work for Administrative Functions
Remote work for administrative tasks can be beneficial for both a clinic and employee. Thus, allow your providers and staff to perform their charting or administrative work from home, so they can better manage family obligations. Just ensure providers and staff have secure VPN access.
Changing the Environment: Outdoor Spaces and Meetings
Create Outdoor Spaces
While it is impossible to move clinic operations outside, if possible, set up an outdoor space within or near the clinic for providers and staff to use. This way, providers and staff can go outside for lunch, a short break, or to catch up on administrative work allowing them to recharge and rejuvenate during the day.
Plan Outdoor Meetings
In addition to providing outdoor spaces, plan some meetings outside when appropriate. Providers and staff will appreciate the change of scenery, and it can break up an otherwise jam-packed day filled with patient appointments and clinic demands.
Focus on Wellness: Socialization, Teamwork, and Fitness
Host Clinic Outings
Holding clinic outings such as picnics, barbeques, or quick day trips is a great way to say thank you and provide a fun day for all. These events and group activities allow providers and staff to socialize and relax. If possible, open these events to families, as well.
Organize Sports Teams to Emphasize Fitness and Teamwork
Playing team sports can boost morale, increase teamwork, and enhance clinic culture. Take advantage of the warm weather and organize some team sports such as basketball, baseball, volleyball, or soccer. Not only is this a great team-building activity, but it is also an excellent way to encourage fitness and wellness.
Enjoying the Season
Summer is a season full of fun and sun. While the outside is bright and inviting, life inside the clinic is still demanding. Thus, it is best to utilize some simple strategies to reward providers and staff for their hard work by creating an environment which allows for greater work-life balance during the summer.
If you are a FQHC and are looking for new providers and staff to join your team, contact the experts at UHC Solutions. At UHC Solutions, we work with your FQHC to find and hire providers and staff who fit within your clinic culture and will become valuable members of your care team. Contact one of our healthcare recruiters today to learn more!
