Workforce development is a hot topic. Everyone wants to recruit and retain employees who will provide excellent care to clients. But how can we develop those who are not quite what we expected when they were hired?
Five areas of workforce development focus include:
Training
Caregivers may need training on specific care or equipment that they have not used or performed, but they may also need training if they have not used that equipment or skill in a while. We all need refreshers sometimes.
Creating opportunities for learning allows your caregivers to receive the training they need without any stigmas attached. Performing an annual skill fair will enable caregivers to show that they are proficient in a skill or with equipment, and any extra training can be provided then, too.
Mentoring
Pairing a newly hired caregiver or a caregiver who has recently learned a new skill with a seasoned caregiver will accomplish two things.
First, the mentee will know that the organization is investing in their development, a value that should never be underestimated.
They will also be able to see a skill done by a knowledgeable caregiver and can ask questions about the organization’s best practices. The mentee will then be able to perform the skill and receive any feedback from the mentor. Caregivers often feel more comfortable asking questions of a peer mentor than they do asking a supervisor.
Supervising
Supervising a team member is often thought of as required, but not all home care leaders take the time to personally supervise their team members. Taking this extra step will help build a relationship between the supervisor and caregiver.
Relationships are so important for retention, as well as further growth and development of the caregiver. Supervising can include intentional “check-ins” with the caregiver, which will allow the caregiver to ask questions or state any concerns, frustrations or insecurities they may have. The supervisor can then engage in a conversation with the caregiver to address any of these items.
Listening
Listening to your team is a skill that will provide immeasurable return on investment.
We all know what it is like to not feel heard. The simple act of asking and then listening to your team will let them know that they have a voice. When team members feel heard, they may even ask more questions to further understand processes or training, which will improve the care they provide.
Valuing
Valuing people is vital to retaining them.
Show both your caregivers and your clients that you value them with training, so they feel confident and comfortable with skills and equipment. Show that you value them by investing time for them with mentoring and supervisory check-ins. This shows team members that you will do what it takes to help them achieve their goals and feel confident in the work that they do. Finally, show how much you value people by listening to them.
These five proven steps, when implemented organization-wide, can help you build a dream team that excels, which in turn helps your organization succeed. Use these practices at every level of your organization and your caregivers and clients will feel the effects.
Axxess Home Care, a cloud-based home care software, provides mobile documentation capabilities at the point of care for ease of use, prioritizing the caregiver’s time with their client.