In the ever-evolving landscape of UK pharmacy operations, effective workforce management has become a critical focus for maintaining seamless service delivery.
Two primary tools have emerged as essential in this area: Locum Management Systems and HR Systems. But how do these systems differ, and which one is more suited to the unique needs of pharmacies? This article will explore the distinctions, benefits, and potential drawbacks of each, helping you make an informed decision for your business.
Understanding Locum Management Systems
Locum Management Systems are specialised platforms designed to streamline the process of managing temporary or locum staff. These systems are tailored to industries that heavily rely on temporary staffing, such as the healthcare sector, including pharmacies.
Key Features of Locum Management Systems:
Locum Recruitment and Scheduling
These platforms allow pharmacies to easily post available shifts and match them with qualified locums. This feature is particularly useful given the ongoing workforce shortage in the UK pharmacy sector. A recent survey revealed that 45% of UK pharmacies have struggled to recruit locum pharmacists over the past year
Compliance Management
Locum systems ensure that all locums meet regulatory and professional standards, such as General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registration and relevant certifications.
Automated Payments
Managing payroll for temporary staff can be complex, but locum management systems can simplify this by automating payments, ensuring that locums are paid accurately and on time.
Benefits of Locum Management Systems:
Efficiency in Filling Shifts
With the current pharmacy workforce crisis, pharmacies often face last-minute staffing challenges. Locum management systems significantly reduce the time and effort needed to fill vacant shifts by providing access to a large pool of pre-vetted locums.
Improved Compliance
Given the regulatory landscape in the UK, ensuring that all locums are compliant with national standards is crucial. These systems offer peace of mind by automating the compliance verification process.
Understanding HR Systems
Human Resources (HR) Systems, on the other hand, are more generalised platforms designed to manage the entire workforce of a business, including both permanent and temporary staff. These systems focus on broader HR functions such as recruitment, onboarding, payroll, performance management, and employee development.
Key Features of HR Systems:
Recruitment and Onboarding
HR systems handle the end-to-end recruitment process for permanent staff, from job postings to applicant tracking and onboarding.
Employee Performance Management
These systems offer tools for setting performance goals, conducting evaluations, and managing career development paths.
Payroll and Benefits Management
HR systems manage payroll for all employees, along with benefits administration, tax reporting, and compliance with employment laws.
Benefits of HR Systems:
Comprehensive Workforce Management
HR systems provide a one-stop solution for managing all aspects of the workforce, from hiring to retirement.
Employee Development
With built-in tools for training and development, HR systems help businesses invest in their staff’s long-term growth.
Data-Driven Decisions
HR systems offer robust analytics features, enabling managers to make informed decisions based on workforce data.
Locum Management Systems vs. HR Systems: Which is Better?
The choice between a locum management system and an HR system ultimately depends on the specific needs of your pharmacy.
When to Choose a Locum Management System:
Frequent Use of Temporary Staff
If your pharmacy regularly relies on locum staff to fill gaps in the schedule, a locum management system is likely the better option. These systems are designed to address the unique challenges of managing temporary staff, such as last-minute shift changes and compliance requirements.
Ease of Use
Locum management systems are often more user-friendly for the specific task of managing temporary staff, allowing for quicker implementation and adoption by your team.
When to Choose an HR System:
Managing a Larger Workforce
If your pharmacy is part of a larger chain or employs a significant number of permanent staff, a HR system’s comprehensive features may be more beneficial (especially when used alongside an LMS). These systems are designed to manage the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement.
Focus on Employee Development
For pharmacies that prioritise employee development and retention, the performance management and training tools in HR systems can provide significant value.
Integrating Both Systems for Maximum Efficiency
For some pharmacies, the best approach might be to integrate both a locum management system and an HR system. This allows for the specialised management of locum staff while also benefiting from the comprehensive workforce management features of an HR system. Integration ensures that all staffing needs are met efficiently, from filling last-minute shifts to managing employee development.
Thankfully, pharmacy workforce management (WFM) is something that we’ve had experience with before. Learn more about our LMS and WFM options here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between a locum management system and an HR system hinges on the specific staffing needs of your pharmacy. With the ongoing challenges in the UK pharmacy sector, including workforce shortages and increasing demand for services, leveraging the right technology is crucial. Whether you opt for a locum management system, a HR system, or a combination of both, the key is to ensure that your pharmacy is well-equipped to handle staffing challenges effectively.
To learn more about how Locate a Locum can help you manage your locum staffing needs, click here to explore our solutions.