Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 4.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Reducing the hours worked and optimising shift rostering could (1)________________ alleviate stress, burnout and work family (2)___________________ for healthcare workers. All this is likely to improve staff retention. Any reduction (3)__________________ staff turnaround would save on direct costs associated (4)____________________ hiring new staff. The cost to replace a highly specialised healthcare professional can reach up to 200% of their annual salary. Also, (5)_______________________ shorter shifts may increase the uptake of shift times that are usually hard to fill. Measures like shorter shifts could also appeal to part time workers or those who have retired.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. with.

Context: The sentence talks about saving costs that are linked to hiring new staff.

Meaning of the words:
Behind – Incorrect; does not indicate association
About – Incorrect; vague and unrelated to context
On – Incorrect; not idiomatic in this expression
With – Correct; “costs associated with hiring” is standard usage

Correct word: With

Reason: Only with correctly conveys the link between the costs and hiring new staff.

Final Sentence: Any reduction in staff turnaround would save on direct costs associated with hiring new staff.

Hence, the chosen option will be correct.

SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 2