Are You Relying Too Much on Overtime to Fill Pharmacy Shifts?

Pharmacy leaders often rely on overtime to keep operations moving. When a shift goes unfilled or demand spikes unexpectedly, asking existing staff to stay late may seem like the easiest solution. But over time, this approach can create more problems than it solves.

If your pharmacy is leaning heavily on overtime to maintain coverage, it may be time to step back and reassess. The costs, both financial and personal, can add up quickly.

Overtime Creates Burnout, Not Just Coverage

Short-term, overtime can keep shelves stocked and patients served. Long-term, it wears down your team. Repeated long shifts, limited recovery time, and a lack of predictability in scheduling contribute to burnout and disengagement. When pharmacists and technicians are stretched too thin, the risk of error increases, morale drops, and turnover becomes more likely.

Pharmacy is a high-responsibility field. When your staff is consistently overworked, their ability to stay focused and maintain high standards naturally declines. Overuse of overtime puts your patients, team, and business at risk.

Overtime Costs More Than You Think

In addition to employee fatigue, overtime quickly becomes a budget issue. Paying time and a half may seem manageable in the moment, but it adds up fast, especially if overtime becomes the norm rather than the exception.

Excessive overtime can lead to hidden costs as well. Increased absenteeism, higher turnover, and rising recruitment expenses all chip away at your margins. It’s a short-term fix that often leads to long-term staffing instability.

Consider Smarter Coverage Models

Rather than depending on your core staff to stretch beyond their limits, consider how flexible coverage solutions could reduce pressure across your organization.

Rx relief helps pharmacies of all sizes develop smarter staffing strategies. We offer access to licensed, credentialed pharmacy professionals available for per diem, part-time, or contract roles. Whether you need coverage for vacation gaps, flu season surges, or persistent short-staffing, we help you maintain consistent staffing without overburdening your team.

Supplemental staff can provide breathing room for your core team while improving patient care and protecting your bottom line. With the right partner, you can reduce overtime, improve morale, and create a more sustainable staffing model.

Stop Relying on Last-Minute Fixes

Overtime may seem like a simple solution, but it is rarely sustainable. Investing in a flexible staffing strategy helps reduce burnout, control labor costs, and improve team retention. If your overtime hours are increasing month over month, it may be time for a change. Rx relief is ready to help.