Multi-skilled and multifunctional employees play an important role in the future of the NHS and the wider public sector.

As the industry faces increasing pressure to deliver services with less resources and budget, having staff who are capable of performing multiple roles can help to optimise efficiency and improve patient and service user care.

Workers can be trained to do multiple roles, and this can be accomplished through a combination of on-the-job training, ongoing education, and professional development opportunities. 

Multi-skilled workers can seamlessly adapt to different tasks, allowing for more flexible deployment based on immediate needs. This adaptability leads to efficient use of resources and improved management of priorities.

Benefits of Multifunctional Employees

 Multi-skilled workers can improve productivity and patient/service user care in several ways, helping to:

• Reduce the need for multiple staff members to perform different tasks, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
• Provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to care, which can improve service outcomes and reduce the risk of errors.
• Adapt to different tasks, allowing for more flexible deployment based on immediate needs and priorities.
• Support service continuity during staff shortages or peak demand periods whilst creating a more integrated and collaborative culture.
• Maintain a holistic approach through recognition of diverse needs and an appreciation of the challenges within particular service areas.
• Encourage mentorship – enhancing the overall skill set of an entire team whilst fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Generate cost savings by reducing the need for hiring specialised staff for every function.

The Rise of The Multifunctional Role

Many workers, particularly across non-clinical roles, unknowingly already have skills and experience that can be applied to different roles within the NHS. 

We see transferable skills in the traits of many candidates. 

1. Problem-Solving; Analytical and Critical Thinking
2. Leadership and Management
3. Adaptability, Flexibility and Multitasking
4. Teamwork and Relationship-Building
5. Communication; Speaking, Writing and Listening
6. Creativity and Attention to Detail
7. Computer-literate and Tech-Savvy
8. Organisation and Timekeeping

Paired with extensive on-the-job experience, we are able to put forward candidates and build workforces, who can support across a plethora of disciplines.

In recent years we have seen more demand for the following multiskilled specialists:

• Multi-skilled Domestic: responsible for catering and food service, laundry services, and facility cleaning, as well as supporting the SHEQ team with all aspects of health and safety adherence and reporting.
• Multi-skilled Administrator: responsible for answering service user calls, booking and appointment systems, taking and relaying messages, monitoring visitor access and maintaining security awareness as well as quality improvement reporting, case management, systems management, and complaint/compliment response.
• Multi Skilled Facilities Manager: responsible for general maintenance of heating systems, lifts, refrigeration systems, hot and cold water supplies, washers, steamers and disinfectors, fire and other alarms, as well as grounds keeping/gardening, cleaning, repairs/joinery and site security.

Overall, multi-skilled and multifunctional employees are likely to become increasingly important. By working in partnership with public sector organisations and the NHS, we can help build a workforce that is flexible, adaptable, and capable of delivering high-quality support. Get in touch with our Public Sector experts for more information.