Susan is a full time experienced worker. She has been working at ATS Cares for the past ten years.  Recently there have been changes to work rosters as the facility is currently trialing new task lists with daily work routines.

All other team member’s work is made up of short shifts. With the changes there is now one team member short for the last hour of the shifts. With the new changes Susan feels that this has increased the workload and has placed a lot of pressure on her and other members of the team. Generally, her team works well together and cooperate to deal with the designated tasks.

Susan views the changes as a cost saving exercise for the facility and is concerned.  She feels that the clients are missing out on quality time with carers and may not be receiving the level of care and services required

1 List the issues for the clients and staff with the changes to staff work rosters

2 What are the potential stress and duty of care implications for the staff and clients?

3 List the options that may be used to address the issues with management.

ANSWER

Addressing Changes in Work Rosters at ATS Cares: Client and Staff Concerns

Issues for Clients and Staff

The changes to work rosters at ATS Cares have led to several issues for both clients and staff members:

For Clients

Reduced Quality Time: With a team member short during the last hour of shifts, clients might experience reduced interaction and engagement, affecting the quality of care and services they receive.
Potential Neglect: Clients may not receive timely assistance due to increased workload, leading to potential neglect of their needs.
Impact on Routine: Changes in the daily work routines may disrupt clients’ familiar patterns, causing confusion and distress.

For Staff

Increased Workload: The absence of a team member during the last hour of shifts places additional workload and pressure on the remaining staff, including Susan.
Stress and Fatigue: Staff members may experience heightened stress levels and fatigue due to the increased demands and limited time to complete tasks.
Quality Concerns: Staff may be concerned that they cannot provide the same level of care and attention as before, impacting their sense of job satisfaction.

Potential Stress and Duty of Care Implications

The potential implications of the changes for both staff and clients include:
Stress and Burnout: Increased workload and pressure can lead to higher stress levels and burnout among staff, negatively affecting their overall well-being and job satisfaction.
Reduced Client Satisfaction: Clients may feel neglected and dissatisfied with the quality of care, potentially impacting their emotional and physical well-being.
Safety Concerns: Staff members under stress may compromise the safety of clients due to rushing or incomplete tasks, posing a risk to clients’ health and safety.

Options to Address the Issues with Management

To address the concerns raised by Susan and the staff, several options can be considered:
Feedback Channels: Open communication channels with management can allow staff to voice their concerns and provide feedback regarding the impact of changes on clients and staff workload.
Additional Staff: Hiring an additional team member or adjusting staffing ratios can help distribute the workload more evenly, ensuring adequate care provision.
Review of Rosters: Reevaluate the newly introduced task lists and daily work routines to determine if they are achievable within the current staffing levels without compromising client care.
Training and Support: Provide training and resources to help staff manage the increased workload efficiently and maintain quality care delivery.
Client Feedback: Seek feedback directly from clients about the impact of the changes on their experience and well-being, using their input to guide adjustments.

In conclusion, addressing the concerns arising from changes in work rosters at ATS Cares requires proactive communication, collaboration, and careful consideration of the potential implications on both clients and staff. Implementing appropriate solutions can help maintain the quality of care and services provided while supporting staff well-being.