In groups, discuss the case for and against this contract change. In your case you may wish to discuss some of the HR practices and employee behaviours that may need to be influences or changed and how you may go about doing so to prevent attrition.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

? In the case for, support should be given for improved service from the
organisation and responding to demand from patients. Additionally, support to
mirror patients’ free time if in full-time employment should be seen as an
excellent opportunity to respond to market demand, as well as competing with
private healthcare providers that make their services available at all times.
? In the case against, the issue of taking on more staff such as nurses to cover these
times should be raised (recruitment, training costs, etc.). This may also centre
around a potential disconnect and difference in service quality between ‘relief’
and weekday staff. Weekday staff will require extensive contractual changes, and
are already overstretched. The discussion should also explore why this only
applies to Junior Doctors, and how the package should be made more appealing
through benefits.
? Students should outline HRM practice suggestions, such as reviewing pay and
reward structures as well as reviewing the contractual hours expected. They
should explore equality as well as the psychological contract. Retention, attrition,
engagement and attraction should all be considered. Taking on new staff may be
included, as may training. Contractual reviews may require detailed employee
relations knowledge.
? Employee behaviours to be raised include motivation, gaining support from the
staff for change, connecting new staff associated with change to existing staff,
and managing stress. Change Management theories should certainly be included.