Introduction: In an increasingly complex and competitive labour market, Epworth Healthcare has adopted a centralised model of nursing and midwifery workforce management that is underpinned by strategies that promote employee flexibility and choice. The purpose of this evaluation was to measure the impact of this approach on promoting inclusivity, choice, and operational excellence.
This presentation will detail strategies for integrating cost efficiency, workforce flexibility, and diversity of opportunities, highlighting enablement functions such as workforce analytics, flexible work policy frameworks, education and learning, and relationship management approaches. Attendees will gain actionable insights into how centralisation can align organisational goals with employee empowerment and a commitment to choice, creating a model for sustainable success in Australia.
Methods:
An observational study design was used.
Setting: This study was conducted at a large not-for profit healthcare provider in Victoria, Australia that included six hospital sites.
Innovation:
Drawing on retention research, the organisation prioritised flexibility and employee choice, implementing customised digital profiles, multi-site work options, and tailored career development programs for flexible staff that accommodated diverse needs and preferences.
Results:
This model empowered contingent nurses and midwives with more choice, increasing workforce participation of casual nurses by 10 % and a 2.4% increase in supply relative to demand. Additionally, it provided the agility to redeploy teams effectively during periods of activity surge, ensuring both operational resilience and employee satisfaction.
By streamlining workforce data management systems, and consolidating management functions, Epworth Healthcare achieved a 25 % reduction in labour expenditure while improving resource allocation and supply to the bedside.
Conclusion: This innovative approach has not only driven significant cost savings and operational efficiency but also fostered a more inclusive and flexible work environment that values employee choice to support their diverse needs. Centralisation also enhanced diversity by expanding talent pipelines and strengthening equitable access to opportunities.