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Five Leading Strategies for Recruitment and Retention in Post-Acute Care

Published on August 26, 2024 by Dan Wenger

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From 2020-2030, the home care workforce is projected to add nearly one million new jobs. This 10-year timeframe of rapid growth will add more than 4.7 million total job openings—more than any other occupation in the USA.

However, the post-acute care industry currently ranks among the top five workplaces with the highest employee turnover rate. As a result, providers spend $174,000 – $210,000 a year on turnover costs—all for hires that last a maximum of 12 weeks. To combat these high costs, home care businesses need to focus on boosting recruitment and retention through improving the employee experience.

With the silver tsunami wave bearing down, the demand for quality care professionals will only continue to grow, so it’s increasingly important to attract and retain a new generation of caregivers who can—and will—meet this demand.

Understanding the Employee Experience

The employee experience in post-acute care goes beyond job satisfaction; it encompasses every interaction an employee has with their workplace, from recruitment to daily work life.

Businesses that focus on creating a positive and supportive environment will boost recruitment and retention, improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover because when employees feel valued, heard, and supported, they are more likely to remain committed to their roles. This leads to better care for residents and a more stable workforce all around.

Strategies for Improving The Employee Experience: The Five-Stage Employee Journey

Understanding the employee journey is the main key to addressing the challenges of recruitment and retention. We see this as a five-stage journey that begins at recruitment and continues through the employee’s tenure, with each stage requiring focused attention to ensure a positive experience.

Enhance Your Recruitment Process

Recruitment is the first critical step in building a strong workforce. Understanding what attracts the right candidates to your organization and how to leverage those factors in the hiring process is key, while maintaining consistent communication practices is the most effective and efficient strategy. 

Utilizing an integrated Applicant Tracking System (ATS) can automate communication, streamline recruitment, and ensure quick and efficient onboarding. This has the added benefit of creating a welcoming and supportive workplace culture from the outset sets the tone for a positive employee experience.

In addition, competitive wages, sign-on bonuses, and other financial incentives play a huge role in keeping these newly recruited employees. However, compensation isn’t just about salary—benefits like tuition assistance, wellness programs, and flexible scheduling can significantly enhance the recruitment process, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover.

Optimize the First 100 Days

Caregiver Recruitment and Retention - Optimize the First 100 Days

The first 100 days are crucial in determining whether an employee will stay long-term or leave quickly. With 77% of turnover occurring during this period, it’s clear that early support and effective onboarding are vital. This stage needs to focus on psychological safety, where employees feel valued and heard, as regular recognition and appreciation are fundamental to retaining employees.

A supportive environment during these initial weeks can significantly reduce turnover and increase employee satisfaction, as employees who feel valued are more likely to stay committed to their roles. Mentorship programs and empathetic leadership can further enhance this sense of value, creating an environment where employees feel connected to the organization’s mission.

Invest in Learning and Development

Employees are more likely to remain with an organization that invests in their growth. By offering opportunities for continuous learning and skill development, businesses will improve job satisfaction and enhance retention. Understanding how each employee wants to grow and providing the necessary resources will ultimately lead to a more engaged and loyal workforce.

Promote Career Growth and Leadership

Employees want to grow and advance in their careers. Providing clear career paths and leadership development opportunities is crucial for long-term retention, as employees who see a future within the organization are more likely to stay. Offering leadership training programs, career advancement opportunities, and recognition for those who take on additional responsibilities can make a positive and significant difference in retention rates.

Bolster Satisfaction and Retention

Retention efforts can’t stop at the initial stages of employment. Continued support, development opportunities, and recognition are key to maintaining a committed workforce. Long-term retention reduces the costs associated with turnover and ensures the organization retains its most experienced and skilled employees.

Actionable Steps to Improve Recruitment and Retention

Aaniie - Steps to Improve Recruitment and Retention

40% of all post-acute care employees quit within their first few months. Care providers need to take the following actionable steps to effectively improve recruitment and retention:

  • Administer a Work Culture Audit: Evaluate the current workplace culture to identify areas for improvement and ensure alignment with the company’s values.
  • Create Policies Aligned with Company Values: Ensure that all organizational policies reflect a commitment to employee satisfaction and care quality.
  • Identify Your Ideal Employee: Define the qualities and characteristics of an ideal caregiver and use this to guide recruitment efforts.
  • Build Career Paths: Develop clear and accessible career advancement opportunities to retain talented employees and prepare them for leadership roles.
  • Set Up Feedback Loops: Implement systems for regular employee feedback, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
  • Leverage Technology: Use recruitment software and applicant tracking systems to streamline the hiring process, making it more efficient and effective.
  • Start a Recognition System: Implement an integrated, automated rewards/recognition system, such as Aaniie’s Caregiver Rewards, to boost employee morale and retention.

How Aaniie’s All-in-One Solutions Can Help

Aaniie’s all-in-one care platform offers a range of innovative solutions designed to address both recruitment and retention challenges in post-acute care. From it’s easy-to-use app, streamlined recruitment processes, integrated communications, and embedded rewards platform, Aaniie creates a more supportive and efficient work environment. Here’s how Aaniie’s platform can support your home care organization:

ENGAGE Hiring Hub

Aaniie’s ENGAGE Hiring Hub simplifies the recruitment process, ensuring that the right candidates are hired quickly and efficiently. The platform automates communication and onboarding, making the process more streamlined and effective. This leads to a faster hiring process and ensures that new employees are well-supported from day one.

Recognition and Rewards Programs

Aaniie’s integrated Caregiver Rewards system is a powerful tool for retaining employees. Recognition programs are proven to improve retention rates, and Aaniie’s platform makes it easy to implement and automate these programs. By regularly recognizing and rewarding employees, organizations can boost morale and gain a more committed workforce.

Easy-to-Use Mobile App

Award-winning Smartcare inWisconsin

Aaniie’s platform includes a user-friendly mobile app that enhances the overall employee experience. The app’s intuitive design makes it easy for caregivers to access important information, manage their schedules, and stay connected with their team. Home care software testimonials from satisfied users highlight the app’s positive impact on job satisfaction and retention.

Rapid Recruitment and Retention with Aaniie

Making your business a great place to work will improve the employee experience and boost recruitment and retention. By addressing the challenges faced by care providers and offering solutions that support employee satisfaction, Aaniie helps organizations build a thriving and sustainable workforce. Investing in the right tools and strategies today can lead to a more stable and successful future for your organization long term.

Are you ready to improve recruitment and retention in your organization? Contact us or schedule a demo today to learn more about how Aaniie’s all-in-one platform can help your post-acute care business.