Workforce Productivity & Efficiency

It is important to understand the differences between productivity and efficiency. Productivity is a ratio of outputs to inputs and can be measured not just in terms of volume, but also in terms of quality.  For example, in a hospital we could treat fewer patients per year but be regarded as more productive if patients survival rates improved.

Efficiency is a different, but related concept.  It is measured as the ratio of outputs to inputs relative to a maximum feasible output (given the inputs).  So a hospital could improve its productivity year-on-year, but potentially become less efficient if there was an increase in what could be produced with the same input due to, for example, technological changes.

In recent years, the public sector has created performance measurement cultures.  In most cases these efforts have often focused on reducing rather than improving.  This has led to a top-down negative, punitive, slash and burn approach that staff perceive as an “us against them” battle.  It puts the organisation at war with itself, and the result is that these measures damage morale and performance rather than help improve productivity and patient care.

At Strategic HR Solutions, we can effectively work with your team to manage workforce costs either within a directorate or throughout an organisation.  At Strategic HR Solutions we will commence with an assessment of your current staffing levels and then use public sector benchmarking methodologies as they relate to patient or client volume and operational needs and requirements. Ultimately, in addition to a productive and efficient workforce, we look for increased patient and staff satisfaction. Such improvements in efficiency can be achieved whilst assuring patient care.

From the productive ward in releasing time to care in clinical environments to lean thinking techniques for back office functions, Strategic HR Solutions has the expertise to improve workforce productivity and efficiencies in order to:

• - meet performance standards
• - improve patient experience
• - reduce financial  pressures
  
  

Your staff’s direct patient care time affects efficiency, which provides financial benefits.