Improving flexible working through electronic team rostering in 24-hour care settings

Flexible working is a priority highlighted by the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan. However, flexible working options can be limited when it comes to wards that operate shift patterns designed to cover a 24-hour-period, with staff expected to work a variety of shifts, including night shifts, which can be detrimental to their health and well-being. The service evaluation detailed in this article trialled the use of electronic team rostering (ETR) across two hospital departments providing 24-hour care. The evaluation surveyed 130 nurses to compare their experience of the baseline rostering system (a mixed paper and electronic system) and ETR. The survey sought to measure nurses' rostering satisfaction, the fairness of each system and the effect on nurses' work-life balance and well-being. The findings indicated that while some nurses identified system issues with the ETR, there were overall improvements in job satisfaction and perceptions of fairness, work-life balance and well-being.