Swiss hospitals slash temporary staff costs with flexible work models
Aargau Psychiatric Services (PDAG) has introduced new flexible work models to cut its reliance on temporary staff. The changes, rolled out in January 2025, have already slashed spending on external workers by 75 percent. Other hospitals in Switzerland are now following similar approaches to ease staffing pressures.
PDAG’s new system encourages permanent employees to cover shifts at short notice. Staff stepping in for sick colleagues receive a standby bonus of 150 Swiss francs. Temporary workers are now only hired for exceptional cases.
Bülach Hospital in Zurich launched a comparable scheme in spring 2024. There, employees taking on extra night shifts or filling in flexibly earn financial incentives. The aim is to stabilise staffing without relying on outside help. Aarau Cantonal Hospital (KSA) still uses some temporary workers but focuses on keeping permanent staff. Measures include flexible scheduling and in-house daycare to improve retention. The Swiss Nurses Association supports PDAG’s approach but stresses that broader political action is needed to tackle the wider shortage of skilled workers.
PDAG’s flexible work models have proven effective in reducing temporary staff costs. The clinic now depends far less on external workers, with savings reaching 75 percent. Meanwhile, other Swiss hospitals continue testing similar strategies to address ongoing staffing challenges.
