Ensuring Fairness to Nursing Staff

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

During a recent leadership development program, several nurse leaders asked for guidance in handling staff complaints that the leader was unfair. One nurse manager shared her story:

I have been accused of being unfair more frequently in the last six months than my entire leadership career. I am unsure what is driving the behavior in nurses, but it seems to be part of conversations about schedules, assignments, and attempts to hold staff professionally accountable. It is a radical change from what I have seen in the past, and I am not quite sure how I can stop this from being part of every conversation when staff don’t get what they want.

Ensuring fairness within the workplace is a crucial responsibility of leadership. Fairness fosters a positive and productive environment and enhances employee satisfaction and loyalty. As we talked through this nurse leader’s dilemma, the following are some recommended steps:

1. Don’t get defensive – Many things can drive perceptions of unfairness, some of which may be in the leader’s control, and others may not be. For example, if you work in a unionized environment, leaders are bound to follow the contract guidelines. Many contracts today favor those with seniority in the organization and may seem unfair to those without seniority.
2. Seek out more information – When you are accused of being unfair, stay curious and attempt to learn what is behind the accusation. Ask the staff member the following question: I want to understand why you think I have been unfair in this situation. Can you help me understand why you feel I have been unfair? This question can yield some powerful insights. For some staff, complaining about unfairness may be a default response when they are not getting what they want. For others, they may genuinely perceive that you treat staff differently and can give you examples. Sometimes, staff may feel the only way they can be heard is to raise the issue of fairness.
3. Be clear and consistent in your communication. Establishing clear and transparent policies and procedures is one of the fundamental steps to ensuring fairness. Don’t assume that staff know your policies and procedures. Let staff know what information and guidelines are considered when scheduling assignments. Consistency in applying these policies helps maintain fairness and reduces ambiguity. Staff should not have to speculate about how you will handle situations; they should know because you are consistent.
4. Let staff know what information is confidential. When you hold staff accountable for professional behavior, it is not unusual for them to respond that you are unfairly singling them out for something that is a norm on the team. Let staff know that professional accountability discussions are private, including the one you are having with them, and that you take action when you see things that staff need to stop doing.
5. Thank the staff member for voicing their concerns about fairness. Open communication is vital for fostering a fair workplace. Leaders should create an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns and opinions. Listening actively to employees and addressing their concerns promptly demonstrates a leader’s commitment to fairness. You may have a different viewpoint about the situation and will need to explain it clearly.
6. Recognize and Reward Staff Fairly – Recognition and rewards should be based on merit and performance. Leaders should ensure that their reward systems are transparent and based on clear criteria. Regularly recognizing and rewarding employees’ contributions can boost morale and motivation, demonstrating that hard work and dedication are valued and fairly acknowledged.
7. Navigate Conflicts Impartially – Conflict resolution is an area where fairness is critically essential. Leaders should address conflicts impartially, using a structured approach to understand all perspectives before making decisions.
8. Foster a Culture of Accountability—Accountability is a cornerstone of fairness. Leaders should hold themselves and their employees accountable for their actions. This includes taking responsibility for mistakes and ensuring everyone adheres to hospital policies and standards. A culture of accountability helps maintain trust and respect within the organization.

Ensuring fairness is an ongoing process that requires dedication and active efforts from leaders. By following these steps, leaders can create a fairer work environment, increasing employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall organizational success.