A new report by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), published last week, details the outcomes of their second roundtable on workforce wellbeing in conjunction with the profession’s independent charity Pharmacist Support (PS).
Pharmacy organisations came together to collaborate and the discussion included the importance of:
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- Knowing your population: Both at a national and local level organisations need to recognise the nature of the workforce and use data to address wellbeing challenges. For example, female employees may need support around women’s health.
- Supportive standards: Use General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) standards and the Care Quality Commission quality statement to support and empower pharmacists’ wellbeing in a positive way.
- Raising awareness of support: RPS and PS will highlight available support resources and promote their use as many employees are not aware of the options available to them – or are concerned about confidentiality.
- Protected learning time: All stakeholders need to stress the importance of dedicated learning time and share best practice so it becomes embedded in the workplace.
- Changing culture: Employers need to address the necessity of creating a supportive workplace culture conducive to wellbeing as it results in a more responsive and adaptive team.
Outcomes of the roundtable include combined efforts by RPS and GPhC to distribute the RPS/PS annual Workforce Wellbeing Survey to more pharmacists.
Commitments were made to review existing regulatory standards and promote those supportive of individual and team wellbeing.
Community Pharmacy England and the National Pharmacy Association also pledged to explore ways to collaborate with PS to improve support for pharmacy managers, who play an important part in creating a positive workplace environment.
RPS Director for England James Davies, who participated at the roundtable for RPS, commented: “Our members continue to tell us about the challenging environments that they work in and the impact this is having on their wellbeing. This second roundtable report underscores the importance of ongoing collaboration and proactive measures to create a healthier and more supportive work environment.
“The constructive dialogue and collective commitment to action demonstrated by all organisations attending in advancing the wellbeing of pharmacy professionals was very encouraging.
“There’s no quick fix or magic bullet to solve this complex issue, but ongoing focus by organisations working collaboratively together can definitely make a difference.”
Pharmacist Support Chief Executive, Danielle Hunt added: “We believe in the power of collaboration and action to drive meaningful change in the pharmacy profession. Our recent roundtable discussions highlighted some of the challenges faced within the profession and the importance of creating positive workplace cultures to address workplace wellbeing issues. It’s essential that we create opportunities so that all voices can be heard and are valued, and that individuals feel empowered to raise concerns and seek support.
“Together with our partners, we’re committed to promoting cultural change and providing resources like our ‘Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture‘ course to support pharmacy leaders in fostering positive and supportive environments for their teams. By working together as a group we can create a profession where everyone feels valued and supported.”
The organisations represented at the roundtable will meet again in six months’ time to assess progress and identify further actions.
