Flexible Work Locations
Description of using flexible work locations as a recruitment and retention strategy.
Overview
Continuing allied health workforce insufficiency affects many rural services and communities. Service delivery to rural and remote communities is further complicated because relatively small numbers of people in need are dispersed over large geographic areas, while allied health professionals tend to be located in large regional centres. Considerable time and distance costs are incurred by health professionals who travel to people in need, and by those people who travel to access services. These issues are amplified in the case of people with disabilities, their carers, and those who provide specialist support services.
How to Implement
Success Factors
Managers in rural and remote locations realise the potential of the National Broadband Network (NBN) to improve internet connection and speed, thus making use of web-based technology a more reliable and sustainable option for the future.
Allowing practitioners to operate from flexible work locations may avoid relocation, particularly if there are families involved. Greater use and development of web-based technology will also enable greater flexibility and reach.
Challenges
Rural professionals need to be skilled because they will be going into areas where there is potentially limited support. Local knowledge is very important, especially when working with Indigenous people. There is a sense in these communities that the residents don't want fly-in fly-out services, they want people on the ground, and someone they can trust. You need to have respectful communication in place.
Evidence Base
Department of Health and Ageing. Report on the audit of health workforce in rural and regional Australia. Canberra, ACT: Commonwealth of Australia, 2008.
Battye K. Workforce shortages or dysfunctional service models? In: Proceedings, 9th National Rural Health Conference; 7-10 March 2007; Albury, NSW, Australia; 2007.
Veitch C, Dew A, Bulkeley K, Lincoln M, Bundy A, Gallego G, Griffiths S. Issues affecting therapist workforce and service delivery in the disability sector in rural and remote New South Wales, Australia: perspectives of policy-makers, managers and senior therapists . Rural and Remote Health(Internet) 2012; 12: 1903. Available: http://www.rrh.org.au/articles/subviewnew.asp?ArticleID=1903
Kehlet K, Aaraas IJ. 'The Senja Doctor': developing joint GP services among rural communities in Northern Norway. Rural and Remote Health(Internet) 2015; 15: 3101. Available: http://www.rrh.org.au/articles/subviewnew.asp?ArticleID=3101
Connected to the following framework elements
- Align service model with population needs
- Emphasise information sharing
- Supporting families / spouses
- Supporting team cohesion
- Relevant professional development
- Training future professionals