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Published on: February 19, 2021
Flexible scheduling and manageable workloads as drivers of infection preventionist retention
Albert Shackelford1, Katreena Merrill2, Frances Nicholson3
1Center for Research, Practice and Innovation, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Arlington, VA, United States.
Background:
Work-life balance is a crucial factor influencing job satisfaction and retention. Infection preventionists (IPs) face unique post-pandemic challenges, including heavy workloads, staffing shortages, and limited scheduling flexibility. Little is known about how these dynamics influence IP retention. This qualitative study explored how organizational, leadership, job, team, and personal factors shape IPs' experiences of work-life balance and their decisions to leave the field.
Methods:
A qualitative descriptive design was used. Twelve virtual focus groups were conducted with four IP subgroups: tenured IPs, transitional IPs, former IPs, and IP leaders. Participants discussed drivers of retention and attrition, including organizational culture, workload, leadership, team dynamics, and personal considerations. Transcripts were coded thematically to identify key patterns.
Results:
Five major themes emerged: (1) Work-life balance; (2) Flexible scheduling; (3) Manageable workload; (4) On-call responsibilities; (5) Leadership and organizational culture. Illustrative quotes highlighted both positive experiences of support and negative experiences leading to departure.
Conclusions:
Work-life balance, flexibility, and manageable workloads are essential for sustaining the IP workforce. Leadership engagement, supportive culture, and clear disengagement protocols may strengthen retention and promote long-term workforce sustainability.
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