Primary Care Staff Survey Reveals Opportunities for Practice Partners, Highlighting Urgent Need for More Funding

Findings from Qualitas’ most recent staff well-being and engagement survey for GP practices indicate significant burnout across all practice staff roles, with more than half of survey participants stating that there are not enough staff on their team to cope with the workload. 

• “My less positive comments are regarding workload and resource and this is not due to fault on the practices part. It’s more to do with the chronic lack of funding in primary care and the massive workload that comes with the job.” – GP/Locum GP 

• “The workload is ever increasing and you take on more and more to try and help the staff across the partnership.” – Practice Manager 

• “Workload is too heavy with little time for administrative purposes and leading to working through lunch and coming in earlier and leaving later. I’m currently feeling burnout and this is not sustainable.” – Nurse 

Conducted across 44 practices with 889 respondents, this is the sixth time Qualitas has offered this survey since 2022. The wide-reaching questions look at eight domains of staff well-being, including Staff Morale, Leadership and Management, Team, Vision and Strategy, Culture, Engagement, Continuous Improvement, and Roles. Administered in June 2024, results of this most recent survey underscore the need for improved communication, professional development opportunities, workload balance, and improving workplace culture. 

Enhancing Communication and Feedback  

Staff across all roles expressed a need for improved communication within practices, with only 60% feeling well-informed about changes within or outside their practice. Effective communication is the backbone of any successful organisation, and it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure staff feel informed and engaged.  

One admin staff member noted, “Communication could be improved; I feel left in the dark about goings-on within the practice.” Other comments included calls to improve how changes are communicated, ensuring consistent messages, enhancing transparency, and improving communication between teams. 

Increasing Professional Development Opportunities 

Professional development remains a cornerstone of staff satisfaction and retention. Although 75% of respondents shared receiving training and opportunities to develop in their roles, several comments across roles demonstrated a strong interest in more development opportunities. Providing robust professional development programs can enhance job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and improve patient care outcomes. 

One clinical staff member commented, “There is currently no development practice plan, whereas in other practices they actively encourage people to develop and progress.” This calls for more structured and supported training programmes is vital for fostering a capable and confident workforce. 

Reviewing and Adjusting Compensation  

A particular area of focus, more than in previous surveys, staff commented on the need to review current levels of compensation. One respondent remarked, “Enhanced salary would probably help to retain staff and ultimately provide long service.” 

Staff retention is a particular concern as only 55% of respondents agreed that they could see themselves working at their practice in 5 years’ time. Based on research from Oxford Economics, we estimate that staff turnover costs practices up to £30,614 for each person who goes (this includes reduced output as well as recruitment and onboarding costs).  

Fostering an Inclusive and Supportive Workplace Culture  

A positive workplace culture is paramount for staff satisfaction and cohesion. Our survey showed that while culture had the highest overall agreement score of 80%, there are still areas needing improvement. Notably, only 61% of respondents felt like they were part of the same team across the whole practice, indicating a need for stronger team-building initiatives. 

Teamwork and cohesion came up in comments across more than half of staff groups, sometimes linked with communication, but also emphasising a desire for more opportunities to connect between teams as well as a desire for team-building activities and better support from management.  

One positive comment highlighted the potential of a supportive culture: “At practice level, I feel included, valued, well supported, and have an excellent working relationship with partners, managers, and colleagues—a real team.” 

Key Takeaways for Moving Forward 

As both entrepreneurs and clinicians, GP partners face many competing priorities. Based on survey findings, we suggest the following areas for GP practices to explore when  

1. Strengthen Communication: Implement consistent and transparent communication strategies to ensure all staff feel informed and valued. 
2. Enhance Professional Development: Provide robust training programs and continuous professional development opportunities to foster a skilled and confident workforce. 
3. Adjust Compensation and Workload: While increasing compensation may not always be feasible due to NHS funding constraints, practices should focus on transparency regarding compensation limitations and work towards equitable workload distribution to maintain morale and prevent burnout. 
4. Foster a Positive Culture: Promote inclusivity and team cohesion through targeted team-building activities and a supportive work environment. 

The insights from our latest staff survey are a testament to the dedication and resilience of primary care staff. By addressing these key areas, we can create a more supportive and effective healthcare environment. At Qualitas, we remain committed to supporting healthcare organisations in navigating these challenges and achieving sustainable improvements. 

About Qualitas 

Qualitas has been a trusted partner of the NHS for over a decade, specialising in organisational health and development within primary care. Our comprehensive approach integrates leadership, workforce development, and operational improvements to support practices in delivering high-quality patient care. With extensive experience and a commitment to excellence, Qualitas is dedicated to helping healthcare organisations navigate the complexities of modern healthcare and achieve sustainable success. 

Together, we can ensure that general practice remains the cornerstone of the NHS, providing high-quality care to communities across the UK.