Staff shortages result in strong trade union work

The health care sector is facing major challenges. The staff of UZ Leuven hospital has noticed it too. The pressure is increasing and the outflow of employees is both the cause and the problem. Ensuring there are enough employees in the workplace therefore means working on a solid organisation, but also on great wage and employment conditions.

The trade union team keeps up-to-date with current topics. “We communicate openly and transparently with our colleagues. In both directions”, explains Erik Plessers, executive representative at UZ Leuven hospital. “Because they face reality on a daily basis and inspire us with their new ideas on how to improve their jobs in a concrete way.”

What have you worked on in recent times?

Erik: “A while ago, we invited all senior nurses to help think of ways to keep the workload manageable. UZ Leuven hospital implemented bed planning to meet the staff shortages. These are things we would like to be involved in. A better organisation and flow, combined with fewer beds, can result in a more manageable workload. But wage and employment conditions also need to be attractive, to ensure that employees want to continue working here. We asked feedback on a couple of proposals for senior nurses during a staff meeting.”

How did your colleagues react?

Erik: “Many employees attended the meeting and the interaction was great. And we also achieved a first result. Our employer agreed to introduce meal vouchers by 2026.”

“By working on sufficient staff, we can work on great employment conditions”

What other initiatives are in the pipeline?

Erik: “We are currently working on a disconnection policy. This is an important topic to both senior nurses and managers. They often find it difficult to disconnect due to the unique character of their job. On the other hand, they are expected to set the right example for their team members. We are working on this topic with both the senior nurses and the UZ managers. We want to hear every voice in order to conclude executive agreements that everyone feels comfortable with.”

Why is the topic of disconnection so important?

Erik: “It is key to a great work-life balance. Disconnection is important for your health. The specific interpretation may be different for everyone. But listening to each other is paramount to reaching manageable agreements together. I myself try to communicate openly about how, when and for what reason my team members may be contacted. This concerns rest during periods of leave, but also what is posted in our WhatsApp group and the fact that nobody is obliged to respond. If it’s something urgent, I call the colleague in question instead of sending them an email, so they don’t feel obliged to check their work emails outside working hours.”