A facility management team is critical to the efficient operation and maintenance of a healthcare facility, whether it's a small hospital or an extensive healthcare system. With adequate staffing in this department, it can be easier for the facility to be successful and compliant. If you are wondering whether adding team members should be a priority, here are some steps and considerations to help you.
Assess The Current Workload
The first thing you need to do is evaluate the current workload of your facility. Consider the number of maintenance tasks that must be completed regularly, including corrective and preventive. Can the existing maintenance team handle the workload effectively, or are they stretched too thin?
Monitor Response Times
The next step is to track response times for maintenance requests and work orders closely. A healthcare facilities management software system can help you best report on department response times. Delays in addressing maintenance issues can indicate that your current team is overwhelmed.
Evaluate the Quality of Work
Are work orders being executed and completed correctly? Do the same problems reoccur even though they should be resolved? It's a good idea to assess the quality of maintenance work in your facility. If the quality is declining, it may be a sign that your existing facility management team is strained.
Gather Employee Feedback
Managers can also talk to all members of the maintenance team to gather their input on their workload, stress levels, and any potential burnout. They may have valuable and unexpected insights on the need for more team members and perhaps skills gaps within the team.
Consider Asset and Facility Growth
Keep in mind that if your organization is growing or you're adding more assets that require maintenance, it's likely that you'll need to hire more maintenance staff members to keep up with the increased workload. A healthcare facilities management software system can also help keep track of assets, work orders, and overall efficiency during periods of growth.
The decision to add members to your facility management team should be based on data, employee feedback, and a thorough analysis of your organization's maintenance needs and resources. Remember that there is a delicate balance between cost efficiency and ensuring maintenance tasks are completed effectively and on time.