Posted 14 February 2025 - 13:36
Posted 14 February 2025 - 13:36
News
Nurse shift pattern changes possible in work-life balance review
A review of flexible working for the NHS nursing workforce in Scotland will consider changes to shift patterns and rotas, with the aim of improving work-life balance. A taskforce including unions, NHS employers and the government will develop national rostering guidelines. Recommendations so far focus on recruitment, retention, safe staffing and ensuring nurses’ well-being, such as respecting break times and staffing needs to enhance workplace conditions.
A review of flexible working for Scotland’s nursing workforce will consider changes to shift patterns and rosters, aiming to improve nurses’ work-life balance
Potential changes to nurses’ shift patterns and rota designs are to be considered as part of a review of flexible working for NHS nursing staff in Scotland.
A group made up of trade unions, professional organisations, NHS Employers and the Scottish Government will also develop national rostering guidance and training, as part of efforts to improve work-life balance for the nursing workforce.
Recommendations should provide roadmap to tackle nurse recruitment and retention challenges
The actions come from a ministerial nursing and midwifery ‘taskforce’ set up to explore ways to make Scotland the ‘best place’ for nurses and midwives to work. It has made 44 recommendations in total.
‘It’s about getting managers to align with work-life balance and flexible working policies being applied equally and not just to those with children. Work-life balance just isn’t there now’
Nurse who spoke to the taskforce
RCN Scotland director Colin Poolman said: ‘The recommendations should provide a strategic roadmap to begin to tackle the nursing retention and recruitment challenges in Scotland.’
The taskforce heard from individual nurses, one of which said: ‘The service needs are changing and it’s about getting managers to align with work-life balance and flexible working policies being applied equally and not just to those with children. Work-life balance just isn’t there now’.
Also under the spotlight are issues that have an impact on the workforce, such as safe staffing levels.
Toolkit to help ensure nursing staff have essential needs met at work
One nurse told the taskforce: ‘Managing my well-being should be about me being able to do the job in the time I’m given to do it. It’s about being respected to do my job, being able to take a break and getting to go home on time. It’s simple things for me.’
The taksforce's report says employers must ensure nursing staff can take their contractual breaks and must have the right staffing levels in place. A toolkit is being developed to help employers ensure that staff have all their essential needs at work met.
Cabinet secretary for health Neil Gray says: ‘Our nurses and midwives are the backbone of Scotland’s healthcare system and we are committed to ensuring they have the support, flexibility and workplace conditions to thrive.’
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