Article Highlights
- The problem: Attracting firefighter recruits
- The solution: Employee wellness software
- The benefits: How a fire department mobile app can improve recruitment and retention
The problem: Attracting firefighter recruits
Fire departments are struggling to recruit new firefighters and retain their current staff. High stress, low pay, and a lack of appreciation are driving candidates away and contributing to low retention. As a result, fire departments are battling chronic understaffing and overworking. This has a negative impact on firefighter mental health and wellness, contributing to the vicious cycle of staffing issues in fire departments.
To make matters worse, many fire departments don’t have wellness programs or resources to provide the support that firefighters need. When stations do provide resources, many firefighters still don’t seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health. This only worsens firefighter burnout and morale, lowering the quality of services your department provides to the community.
These hindrances affect public sentiment and community relationships, which can make it even more difficult to improve fire recruitment. New recruits see these patterns and are less interested in working for your department. But, by making firefighters' mental health a priority, you can make a positive impact on recruitment.
The solution: Employee wellness software
To support improved firefighter mental health, PowerDMS created employee wellness software specifically for public safety personnel. PowerLine is one of the best apps for mental wellness, offering a wide variety of wellness resources. Firefighters have access to videos, articles, and audio content that all speak to the specific challenges they face in both their professional and personal lives.
With PowerLine, fire staff also have access to an extensive support system, both nationally and locally. On a national scale, firefighters can access topic-specific discussion groups and match with other firefighters outside their agency for anonymous support from volunteer peers. Locally, agencies can include in-app access to local resources including peer supporters, clergy, vetted therapists, and other services the agency has already established.
The fire department app provides 24/7 access to support and provides volunteer peer training to ensure your staff can get the help they need at all times. In order for firefighters to feel comfortable using your department’s resources without facing judgment, PowerLine keeps their identity and user data completely anonymous.
The benefits of a fire department mobile app
Using PowerLine, your department will reap notable benefits. Supporting firefighter mental health, morale, and stress management leads to fewer sick days and errors in the field, bolstering your department’s productivity.
Prioritizing mental wellness with a complete firefighter wellness program helps improve fire recruitment and positions you as an employer of choice by showing candidates you care about their well-being.
All of this has a positive impact on your reputation in the community, helping attract new candidates and grow fire recruitment success. As a bonus, you’ll also see improved retention of current staff, reducing the costs of training and onboarding new recruits.
Learn more
Fire department mobile apps like PowerLine can help improve firefighter wellness and increase fire department recruitment and retention. To learn more about the possible benefits, schedule a free demo on our website.