Leveraging a Remote Workforce in LTC Pharmacy
The shift to remote work in long-term care (LTC) pharmacies has gained momentum in recent years—and it’s not slowing down. Remote roles are still on the rise, offering pharmacies new ways to enhance efficiency, improve quality, and attract top talent.
In fact, 23 percent of pharmacists working remotely now do so for 40+ hours a week—up from just 8 percent in 2019. As LTC pharmacies look to optimize operations, remote staffing presents a strategic opportunity to boost productivity, reduce turnover, and strengthen customer service.
How does remote staffing benefit LTC pharmacies?
LTC pharmacies face increasing demands, and a remote workforce can help meet them by improving efficiency, access to talent, and service quality. Remote benefits include:
Higher Employee Engagement and Retention
Remote work increases engagement and reduces turnover by providing flexibility and better work-life balance. Employees who feel supported on the job are more productive and deliver better service to the facilities they support.
Access to a Broader Talent Pool
Without geographic limitations, LTC pharmacies can recruit experienced pharmacists and technicians regardless of location, making it easier to fill hard-to-staff shifts and specialized roles. Pharmacies can also hire in different time zones to cover less desirable shifts, such as East Coast-based pharmacies employing West Coast-based staff.
Greater Productivity and Focus
Remote staffing helps optimize daily operations. Employees working offsite experience fewer in-pharmacy distractions, leading to improved call quality and more focused work. Additionally, remote staff can triage documents at the end of the day, setting up the next day’s workflow for a smoother transition.
What are remote workforce challenges to keep in mind?
While the benefits of remote staffing are clear, successful implementation requires addressing common challenges:
Commitment Level
For remote work to succeed, pharmacies must fully commit. A slow rollout of necessary technology or unclear policies will lead to inefficiencies and frustration. Establishing clear expectations, investing in the right tools, and integrating remote work into pharmacy operations are all essential for success.
Technology Barriers
A strong IT infrastructure is crucial for remote work. Pharmacies must equip employees with secure hardware, cloud-based software, and reliable communication tools. IT support is also a key consideration when implementing remote work.
Upfront Costs
While implementing a remote workforce requires an initial investment in hardware, software, and cybersecurity, these costs are offset by long-term savings from reduced turnover, improved efficiency, and better hiring outcomes.
Regulatory Issues
State laws and regulations vary when it comes to remote pharmacy work, and some states have stricter requirements than others. For example, Oregon requires phone calls to be recorded and limits the number of remote employees a pharmacist can supervise, while California’s labor laws make it a less attractive state for remote hiring.
What steps can LTC pharmacies take to leverage remote work?
Successfully integrating remote staff requires the right technology, training, and oversight. To leverage remote work, LTC pharmacies can:
Reimagine Recruitment Strategies
Expanding recruitment efforts beyond local markets allows pharmacies to access top talent. To attract and retain employees, pharmacies should also invest in remote engagement strategies such as virtual birthday celebrations, trivia games, and team-building activities.
Invest in Robust Technology
A reliable tech infrastructure is the foundation of remote work. LTC pharmacies embracing remote work should invest in:
LTC pharmacy management software for secure, streamlined operations.
Scalable, cloud-based phone systems for seamless remote call management.
Omnichannel communication tools to enhance facility collaboration.
Bring on the Right Support
Pharmacies relying on remote employees need IT systems that are secure, reliable, and easy to manage. Partnering with a managed service provider ensures that workstations are properly configured, secure, and compliant. Pharmacies should also work with a reliable hosting provider to support their cloud-based infrastructure and maintain uptime.
Establish Standardized Protocols
Clear, standardized workflows help remote employees understand expectations, processes, and performance metrics. Documented protocols prevent disruptions and ensure the same level of service whether a task is completed remotely or in the pharmacy.
Regularly Monitor Performance
Remote work requires structured oversight to maintain efficiency and compliance. Performance monitoring tools help track productivity and catch issues early, while spot-checking calls and gathering feedback from facilities and residents ensures service quality. Regular check-ins with remote employees provide insights and help resolve challenges before they impact operations.
Provide Comprehensive Training
Strong onboarding and continuous training are essential for remote employees to succeed. FrameworkAcademy, our web-based training platform, helps LTC pharmacies streamline onboarding and ongoing education by providing structured learning modules. Using FrameworkAcademy, pharmacies can alleviate the training burden, improve staff effectiveness, and remove barriers to growth.
Embrace Remote Work in Your LTC Pharmacy
Remote staffing isn’t just a short-term fix—it’s a strategic move that enhances efficiency, expands hiring opportunities, and improves service quality. By investing in the right technology, compliance strategies, and training programs like FrameworkAcademy, LTC pharmacies can build a high-performing remote workforce that benefits both employees and patients.
Learn more about how FrameworkAcademy can support your remote workforce.