How to Attract the Right GP: Top 3 Compensation Lures Besides Salary
In the competitive medical recruitment field, attracting the right General Practitioner (GP) goes beyond offering a competitive salary. While salary is important, other compensation aspects can significantly influence a GP’s decision to join and stay with a practice.
GP practices and recruiters looking to offer attractive compensation packages for GPs should consider these factors beyond salary, as found in an Australian Doctor survey of over 500 GPs. While 78% of GPs prioritise salary, other factors are also crucial in their decision-making process.
Here are the top three compensation lures for GPs, based on insights from the Annual AusDoc.JOBS Job Seeker Study and an Australian Doctor survey.
1. Flexible Working Conditions
Work-Life Balance: Flexibility in working hours, required weekend work and the option to work part-time or from home are all highly valued. Over 60% of respondents highlighted the importance of flexibility in their job criteria. This is particularly vital for younger doctors and those with families.
Family-Friendly Policies: Offering flexible schedules, avoiding on-call duties, and the option for weekend work can be significant draws. One GP noted, “Some recruitment ads say, ‘no on-call work’ or ‘no weekend work’ and for many people that would be a drawcard. But others may prefer to earn a higher percentage for working at the weekends or after hours.”
Unpaid Leave: Nearly half of those surveyed said the ability to take unpaid leave would attract them to a new role, with 48% of female GPs and 37% of male GPs valuing this option.
2. Minimum Hourly Guarantee or Fixed Daily Rates
Guaranteed Rates: More than 43% of those surveyed cited a guaranteed rate or a fixed daily rate as their key compensation consideration. One rural GP registrar in NSW said, “I feel remuneration for doctors-in-training and GPs in general is far below its value, considering the study, sacrifices and training it takes to do a good job. Our salary is comparable to many other industries where the demands and responsibilities of the job and the career path are far less.”
Corporate Practices: A minimum guarantee was particularly important for GPs in corporate practices, with more than 47% citing this as critical, compared to 41% in independent practices. One Queensland GP wryly observed, “38% goes to clinic, and then 47% goes to tax – what’s left is mine.”
3. Paid Training Opportunities
Continuous Learning: Opportunities for career growth and skill development are highly valued. Offering regular training sessions, workshops, and further education can significantly boost engagement. The 2021 AusDoc.JOBS study found that 36% of respondents prioritise opportunities to grow personally and learn new skills.
Paid Training: Paid training or subsidies for educational activities were cited by 36% of those surveyed as desirable. Female GPs, in particular, valued paid training, with 41% highlighting its importance compared to 27% of male GPs. Notably, 50% of rural GPs saw paid training as key, compared to 31% in capital cities.
Key Questions for Recruiters
To attract the right candidates, recruiters and practice owners should consider:
- What else can the practice offer besides a base salary?
- Can the practice offer flexible arrangements, such as unpaid leave or additional parental leave?
- Would a guaranteed rate of pay or a fixed daily rate attract more candidates than a base salary figure? It could be for the first 3-months while a new GP builds their patient base.
- Is the practice in a rural area where paid training or educational opportunities could be a drawcard?
Conclusion
Attracting the right GP requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond salary. By offering flexible working conditions, professional development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package, medical recruiters can create an appealing and supportive environment that meets the diverse needs of GPs.
These strategies not only help attract top talent but also enhance job satisfaction and retention, leading to better patient care and a more successful practice.
Tag
Salary and Benefits