Working on the frontlines in U. S. hospitals: Scheduling challenges and turnover intent among housekeepers and dietary service workers

Abstract

The changing nature of U.S. health care has created challenges for hospitals, including managing high rates of turnover among frontline support workers. Few studies have examined the effect of work schedules on turnover among frontline hospital support workers. This cross-sectional study (N = 270) examined scheduling challenges prevalence among hospital housekeeping and dietary workers and their relationship to turnover intent. Both worker groups experienced schedule unpredictability but dietary workers reported greater schedule instability than housekeeping workers. Schedule rigidity was reported by all workers, although housekeepers had more difficulty in changing work schedules. All three scheduling challenges were significant predictors of intent to leave.