Revitalising the NHS Culture: Lessons from 2022 Staff Survey Results

Nurses in theatre

The results of the NHS National Staff Survey 2022 came out last week, and like many who follow the results with curiosity each year, it was interesting but not surprising to see the impact of ongoing pressures within the NHS, with concerning declines in staff satisfaction around some key indicators. While some areas have seen improvements, there are areas that require immediate attention. As such, NHS employers must take action quickly (given the three month wait to release the results) to address the concerns of their staff, foster a positive workplace culture, and ensure the best care for their patients.

nurse

Where to start?

Ideally we would prioritise addressing the areas that require immediate attention. What about addressing the concerns around pay and staff morale? As these are crucial factors in employee satisfaction. This is not easy to achieve against a challenging political backdrop. But employers can at least acknowledge the importance of these issues.

What tangible actions can NHS Employers take?

On a practical level, it is imperative that NHS employers focus on fostering a culture of inclusivity and compassion within their organisations. They must ensure that all staff members feel supported and valued, regardless of their background or protected characteristics. Employers must encourage open communication and provide a safe space for staff to voice their concerns and ideas.

Additionally, employers must prioritise the professional development of their staff. The positive results regarding support for learning and development indicate that employees value opportunities for growth and development. Employers must continue to provide these opportunities and ensure that all staff members have access to the necessary training and resources to perform their jobs effectively.

NHS employers must also prioritise the health and wellbeing of their staff. The survey results show that there are concerns around staff attending work while unwell, which can have a negative impact on both the employee and patient care. Employers must provide adequate support and resources to ensure that staff members can take the necessary time off to recover without worrying about job security or service delivery.

Finally, employers must emphasise staff engagement and involvement in decision-making processes. The positive results regarding positive teamworking and support from line managers indicate that staff members value working in a supportive team environment. Employers must continue to encourage staff involvement and provide opportunities for staff members to have a voice in decision-making processes.

Image of hope

In conclusion, the NHS National Staff Survey 2022 results highlight the ongoing pressures within the NHS and the need for employers to take action to address the concerns of their staff. While some areas have shown improvement, there are still areas that require immediate attention. To ensure the best care for patients, NHS employers must prioritize addressing issues related to staff morale, fostering a culture of inclusivity and compassion, providing professional development opportunities, prioritising staff health and wellbeing, and emphasising staff engagement and involvement in decision-making processes. By taking these actions, employers can create a positive workplace culture where staff members feel valued, supported, and able to provide the best care for their patients. It is important that NHS employers act quickly to address these concerns, not just for the sake of their staff, but also for the patients they serve.


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