Supportive workplaces key to keeping experienced NHS nurses, study finds

A survey led by the University of Southampton and University of Portsmouth found that workplace culture and day-to-day conditions were among the strongest factors influencing whether nurses in the later stages of their careers chose to stay in the NHS. 

The study involved almost 2,000 NHS nurses aged 45 to 54.

Survey results showed that supportive relationships between employees, compassionate leadership, flexible working and manageable workloads were the most influential factors when making career decisions. 

Dr Joanne Turnbull, project lead at the University of Southampton, said: “Experienced nurses are the backbone of safe patient care in the NHS and beyond and are essential for mentoring the next generation coming through.”

Dr Zoé Ejebu, Lead author at the University of Southampton, said: “Our findings show that if we want to prevent those with most experience leaving the workforce early, we must invest in improving team culture, developing compassionate leadership and managing workloads to respect the immense value they bring to our healthcare services.”

Professor Shabbar Jaffry, school of accounting, economics and finance at the University of Portsmouth, said: “Retaining experienced nurses is one of the biggest challenges facing global healthcare systems. NHS England is no exception. 

“Our findings show that creating workplaces where nurses feel supported, respected and able to deliver the best possible care is a vital part of the solution.

“This research provides evidence that investment in workplace culture, leadership, flexible working and manageable workloads should sit alongside recruitment, fair pay and broader workforce strategy.”