Workforce Challenges Are Disruptive
Make them short-lived. We can help
Current State
To deliver on operational and strategic goals, healthcare leaders rely on a stable, capable workforce
Despite best efforts, workforce challenges persist, giving way to care and operating model gaps
Care and operating model gaps lead to reactive hiring and an overreliance on temporary staff
In turn, patient outcomes are compromised, labor costs swell, and culture suffers
At TMS Associates, we tackle workforce challenges on two key fronts
Organizational
-
Leadership gaps have a profound impact on team morale and employee engagement. When leadership is inconsistent or ineffective, it creates uncertainty and a lack of direction, leading staff to feel unsupported in their roles. Employees may begin to question the organization’s priorities and future, fostering a disengagement culture.
This erosion of trust diminishes team cohesion and motivation, causing productivity to drop as individuals become disconnected from their work.
According to industry insights collected by TMS Associates, disengagement is often a direct result of poor leadership. Uncertain communication, a lack of vision, and insufficient recognition contribute to a workforce that feels undervalued and directionless.
Without solid leadership, organizations experience a decline in morale that is difficult to reverse, ultimately stalling progress and innovation.
-
Leadership gaps significantly undermine clinical teams and frontline staff in healthcare settings. Ineffective or inconsistent leadership leaves physicians, nurses, and support personnel without a clear direction, especially when managing critical operational challenges like patient flow and bed availability. This uncertainty can hinder effective rounding procedures, delay patient admissions and transfers, and complicate discharge processes, ultimately impacting patient safety and satisfaction.
As trust erodes, interdepartmental collaboration suffers. Nurses may struggle to coordinate timely care transitions, while administrators find it harder to maintain efficient bed management protocols. Without decisive leadership guiding these efforts, backlogs increase, patient wait times rise, and costs escalate due to staffing inefficiencies and lengthened hospital stays.
Insights from TMS Associates reveal that low engagement and high turnover are often linked directly to inadequate leadership communication and insufficient recognition of frontline efforts. Without leaders who proactively streamline patient flow, improve cross-functional communication, and empower teams to address bottlenecks, healthcare organizations face a downward cycle—declining staff morale, escalating operational costs, and faltering patient outcomes. In such environments, recovering organizational cohesion and restoring high-quality, patient-centered care is exceedingly difficult.
-
In healthcare, leadership at every level—from frontline clinical managers to operational executives—has a direct impact on preventing burnout and maintaining a stable, engaged workforce. When line leaders, such as charge nurses, physician leads, or department supervisors, fail to provide clear direction and equitable workload distribution, clinicians and support staff are left to navigate demanding patient volumes and complex administrative tasks with limited guidance. This day-to-day uncertainty intensifies stress and strains morale, making teams more susceptible to fatigue and disengagement.
Similarly, when operational leaders do not implement effective staffing models, resource allocation strategies, or supportive policies, they perpetuate conditions that overtax frontline teams. Without thoughtful staffing plans and adequate downtime, even the most skilled and dedicated staff members struggle to keep pace, eventually reaching burnout thresholds that push them to seek employment elsewhere. As turnover rises, the remaining clinicians and staff must shoulder even greater burdens, creating a vicious cycle that erodes team cohesion and compromises patient care.
This dynamic is costly and destabilizing. Frequent turnover disrupts continuity, drives up recruitment and training expenses, and undermines the patient experience. The American Hospital Association underscores the importance of strong leadership at all tiers to break this cycle. By reinforcing leadership infrastructure—from bedside supervision to strategic operational oversight—healthcare organizations can protect against burnout, reduce turnover, and sustain a consistent, high-quality care environment.
-
Degraded morale and engagement have profound implications for both employees and the organization as a whole. When morale declines, employees often feel disconnected from their work and undervalued by their employers. This detachment can lead to a decrease in productivity, a rise in errors, and a general lack of enthusiasm for organizational goals. Engagement suffers when staff members do not find purpose in their roles or lack confidence in their leadership, often stemming from insufficient recognition, limited growth opportunities, or poor communication.
The Gallup Organization reports that low employee engagement is a leading indicator of increased absenteeism and turnover, costing businesses significantly in lost productivity.
If these issues remain unaddressed, they can foster a toxic work environment where dissatisfaction spreads among team members. This atmosphere not only hampers collaboration and innovation but also impacts the quality of service provided to patients or clients. As employees withdraw, the organization may struggle to maintain standards, leading to a decline in customer satisfaction and potentially harming its reputation.
Furthermore, sustained low morale and engagement can exacerbate stress levels, contributing to burnout and further destabilizing the workforce. The cycle of disengagement and turnover incurs substantial costs related to recruiting, hiring, and training new staff, as well as the loss of institutional knowledge. To break this cycle, organizations must actively invest in strategies that boost morale and re-engage their employees, such as providing recognition, promoting work-life balance, and facilitating open communication.
Recruitment
-
Talent shortages arise when an organization struggles to effectively target, attract, and engage the right candidates for critical roles. This inability to fill key positions promptly creates a ripple effect throughout the organization, particularly in healthcare, where unfilled roles directly impact patient care and team efficiency.
When positions remain vacant for extended periods, existing staff must shoulder the additional workload, leading to heightened stress, burnout, and, ultimately, turnover. The resulting gaps in care delivery compromise quality and continuity, making it difficult to meet patient needs and maintain operational performance.
Without a proactive approach to talent acquisition, healthcare organizations face sustained workforce shortages that weaken their ability to provide high-quality care, reduce overall productivity, and increase labor costs.”
Examples of how talent shortages affect healthcare:
Increased workloads: Vacant positions force existing staff to take on more responsibilities, stretching them thin and reducing the quality of care they can provide.
Extended patient wait times: A lack of specialized talent, such as physicians or advanced practice providers, delays patient access to care, particularly in high-demand specialties like cardiology or neurology.
Increased reliance on temporary staff: Shortages lead to increased use of contract or Locum Tenens professionals at higher costs, while also impacting continuity of care, as temporary staff may not be as familiar with patient history or organizational processes.
-
Longer vacancies in healthcare organizations create significant challenges that extend beyond simply leaving a position unfilled. When critical roles remain open for extended periods, the burden of maintaining service levels falls disproportionately on existing staff, who are forced to work extra shifts or take on additional responsibilities.
This added pressure often leads to increased burnout and dissatisfaction among employees, driving turnover and further compounding the staffing problem. As remaining staff struggle to cope with increased workloads, the quality of care can deteriorate, resulting in poorer patient outcomes and diminished organizational performance.
These prolonged vacancies also disrupt team dynamics, weaken morale, and place healthcare organizations at a competitive disadvantage by hindering their ability to meet patient needs and achieve operational goals.”
Examples of how longer vacancies impact healthcare:
Higher staff burnout: With fewer staff to share the workload, existing employees face increased stress and fatigue, which accelerates burnout and diminishes their ability to provide quality care over time.
Decreased patient satisfaction: Prolonged vacancies often lead to delays in care and longer wait times, which negatively affect patient experience and satisfaction scores.
Reduced team cohesion: As teams operate with fewer resources and face higher demands, collaboration suffers, and morale declines, weakening the overall culture and increasing turnover.
-
A person must meet two essential criteria to fit a role—they must align with your core values and possess the desire, understanding, and natural ability to excel in the position. Without this fit, the wrong hires can undermine team performance.
-
Engaging third-party talent partners or recruitment firms introduces specific risks that can significantly impact an organization’s ability to attract and retain top talent. One of the primary concerns is the potential misalignment between the recruitment firm’s objectives and the organization’s needs. Some firms may prioritize filling positions quickly over finding candidates who are the right fit culturally and professionally. This misalignment can lead to higher turnover rates, as employees may leave if they do not feel connected to the organization’s values or if their expectations are not met.
Additionally, not all recruitment firms offer comprehensive performance guarantees or retention support. Without these safeguards, organizations may find themselves repeatedly investing time and resources into filling the same positions due to early departures. This cycle not only strains financial resources but also disrupts team cohesion and continuity of care, especially critical in healthcare settings where patient outcomes are directly affected by staff stability.
There is also the risk of inadequate vetting processes. Third-party firms that do not thoroughly assess candidates’ qualifications, backgrounds, and references can introduce individuals who may not meet the necessary standards or comply with regulatory requirements. This oversight can expose the organization to legal liabilities, compromise patient safety, and damage its reputation.
To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to partner with a recruitment firm that offers strong performance guarantees and retention support. TMS Associates, for example, provides an industry-leading performance guarantee and retention support ranging from 6 to 18 months. This commitment ensures that organizations receive not only qualified candidates but also ongoing support to promote long-term retention and success.
By choosing a talent partner that aligns with organizational goals and demonstrates a vested interest in employee retention, healthcare providers can minimize third-party risks. This strategic approach enhances the effectiveness of talent acquisition efforts, supports workforce stability, and ultimately contributes to improved patient care and organizational performance.
Leading with an advisory-first approach
We deliver talent solutions designed to stabilize your workforce, enhance operating models, and improve patient care
PLAN
Collaborate with stakeholders to clarify needs, formulate solutions, and present plans for approval
DELIVER
Recruit, assess, and advise talent. Recommending select individuals for interview. Provide decision support to all parties
SUPPORT
Assist with final negotiations and onboarding. And for each new hire, we provide a 6 - 18 month performance guarantee
Improving access, continuity, and quality of care
Stabilize your workforce—strengthen operating models
Benefits of partnering with TMS Associates
When promoting from within isn’t an option, partner with experts who specialize in recruiting people who can make an impact
-
Goal-Oriented Recruitment
At TMS Associates, we tailor our leadership recruitment strategies to align seamlessly with your strategic business objectives. This approach ensures you secure highly capable leaders who are dedicated to driving your specific organizational goals, thereby enhancing the stability and effectiveness of your leadership team.
Behavioral and Competency Evaluations
Our expert team utilizes advanced assessment tools to thoroughly evaluate candidates’ leadership styles, competencies, and potential. By partnering with us, you can be confident that the leaders we recommend for interview possess the essential skills and attributes needed to propel your business forward.
Cultural Fit Analysis
We recognize that skills and experience are only part of the equation. TMS Associates meticulously assesses how well potential leaders align with your company’s values and culture. Leaders who resonate with your organizational ethos are more likely to foster a positive and stable work environment, ensuring long-term success for your team.
Partner with TMS Associates
When promoting from within isn’t an option, trust TMS Associates to recruit impactful leaders who stabilize and elevate your organization. Our comprehensive approach to goal-oriented recruitment, behavioral evaluations, and cultural fit ensures that your leadership team is well-equipped to drive sustained success.
-
Skill Alignment
At TMS Associates, we meticulously assess candidates’ skills, experiences, and competencies to ensure they perfectly match the specific needs of your organization. Our precision in talent matching reduces the likelihood of mismatches that can lead to early turnover, ensuring you have the right talent to drive your business forward.
Cultural Compatibility
We understand that technical skills are just one part of the equation. TMS Associates goes beyond by evaluating candidates for cultural fit, ensuring they resonate with your company’s values and work environment. Employees who align with your organizational ethos are more likely to be engaged, satisfied, and committed for the long term.
Reduced Turnover Rates
By ensuring a better match between candidates and roles, TMS Associates helps your organization experience lower turnover rates. This fosters a more stable and experienced workforce, allowing you to build a resilient team that supports sustained growth and success.
Partner with TMS Associates
When promoting from within isn’t an option, trust TMS Associates to recruit impactful talent who stabilize and elevate your organization. Our comprehensive approach to skill alignment, cultural compatibility, and reducing turnover rates ensures that your workforce is well-equipped to drive sustained success.
-
Establish a Strong Foundation with Experienced GME Leaders
At TMS Associates, we recruit seasoned Graduate Medical Education (GME) leaders who excel in designing and managing your programs effectively. Partnering with us ensures your GME initiatives are built on a robust foundation, setting the stage for long-term success and excellence.
Build High-Performing Clinical Competency and Program Evaluation Committees
We specialize in creating high-performing Clinical Competency Committees (CCC) and Program Evaluation Committees (PEC) tailored to your organization’s specific needs. Our expertise ensures these committees maintain compliance and drive continuous improvement, fostering an environment of accountability and excellence within your programs.
Strengthen Your Physician Pipeline
TMS Associates helps you build and enhance your physician pipeline through well-structured GME programs. By attracting top medical talent and ensuring program success, we support workforce stability and provide a steady flow of qualified physicians to your organization.
Leverage Our Strategic Expertise for Long-Term Success
Utilize TMS Associates’ strategic expertise to streamline your operations, meet accreditation standards, and drive long-term program success. Our comprehensive approach ensures your GME programs are efficient, compliant, and positioned for sustained growth and achievement.
Partner with TMS Associates
When promoting from within isn’t an option, trust TMS Associates to bolster your GME program with experienced leaders, high-performing committees, a strong physician pipeline, and strategic expertise. Our comprehensive approach ensures your GME initiatives are positioned for long-term success and excellence.
-
Streamline Workflows to Boost Productivity and Reduce Costs
At TMS Associates, we recognize that efficient workflows are essential for a successful healthcare organization. Our expert recruitment and advisory services identify and place professionals who excel in process optimization and operational efficiency. By streamlining your workflows, we help you enhance productivity, minimize redundancies, and significantly reduce operational costs. Partnering with us ensures your team operates smoothly, allowing you to focus on delivering exceptional patient care without the burden of inefficiencies.
Leverage Modern Technology and Process Improvements to Optimize Performance
In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, staying ahead with the latest technology and process improvements is crucial. TMS Associates specializes in sourcing and advising top-tier talent with expertise in cutting-edge technologies and innovative process methodologies. We help you integrate advanced health information systems, telehealth platforms, and other technological tools that optimize your organization’s performance. Our strategic approach ensures your operations are not only up-to-date but also positioned for continuous improvement and excellence.
Align Organizational Structures with Evolving Patient and Industry Demands
Healthcare is constantly changing, with shifting patient needs and industry standards. TMS Associates assists you in aligning your organizational structures to effectively meet these dynamic demands. We recruit leaders and professionals adept at organizational design and agile management, ensuring your structure is flexible and responsive to changes. By aligning your teams and workflows with current and future patient expectations and industry trends, we help you maintain a competitive edge and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
Partner with TMS Associates
When promoting from within isn’t an option, trust TMS Associates to enhance your operating model with streamlined workflows, modern technology integration, and aligned organizational structures. Our comprehensive approach ensures your healthcare organization operates efficiently, adapts to evolving demands, and maintains a competitive edge, allowing you to deliver exceptional patient care and achieve sustained success.
-
Enhance Patient-Centered Approaches to Improve Satisfaction and Outcomes
At TMS Associates, we prioritize patient-centered care as the foundation of exceptional healthcare delivery. We recruit and advise on staffing professionals dedicated to understanding and addressing each patient’s unique needs. By implementing personalized care strategies, we help your organization increase patient satisfaction and achieve better health outcomes. Our approach ensures that your patients receive compassionate, individualized care that fosters trust and promotes overall well-being.
Ensure Consistent, Coordinated Care Delivery with Minimal Service Gaps
Consistency and coordination are critical for effective healthcare delivery. TMS Associates specializes in placing professionals who excel in collaborative practices and interdisciplinary teamwork. We ensure your care teams are well-integrated, facilitating seamless communication and coordination across all levels of care. This minimizes service gaps and ensures that patients receive continuous, high-quality care regardless of where or when they seek services. Our focus on coordinated care delivery helps your organization maintain operational excellence and deliver superior patient experiences.
Elevate Clinical Quality through Continuous Performance Monitoring and Improvement
Maintaining high clinical standards requires ongoing monitoring and a commitment to continuous improvement. TMS Associates provides access to top-tier clinical professionals skilled in performance evaluation and quality improvement methodologies. We help you implement robust performance monitoring systems that track key clinical metrics and identify areas for enhancement. By fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, we support your organization in elevating clinical quality, ensuring that your patients receive the best possible care consistently.
Partner with TMS Associates
When promoting from within isn’t an option, trust TMS Associates to improve access, continuity, and quality of care within your organization. Our comprehensive approach to enhancing patient-centered approaches, ensuring consistent care delivery, and elevating clinical quality ensures that your healthcare services are exceptional and your patients receive the highest standard of care.