Trends in the Industry

The COVID pandemic clearly has had a negative impact on employee mental health in this country, and there is much work ahead to boost psychological and emotional wellbeing on the job. According to the 2022 Mind the Workplace report, employees are struggling to cope with the changes and stresses brought on and exacerbated by the pandemic. For instance, 71% of respondents say that they’re having difficulties concentrating on their work. This is nearly double the number who reported this problem in 2018. “Several factors may be contributing to this increase, but two years of living and working through the pandemic could contribute to lesser concentration at work,” said Taylor Adams, director of workplace mental health at Mental Health America (MHA), the report’s sponsor. … [Read more...] about Report: Worker Mental Health Still Suffering…and It’s Leading Some Out the Door

It’s clear that organizations have work to do if they want to create and sustain cultures that attract and retain good workers. The battle for talent continues, but many employers still are disconnected from their workers, according to the 2021 Pulse Survey. There also continues to be equity and inclusion issues, and working parents are still struggling with efforts to balance job and family responsibilities. … [Read more...] about The Great Employer-Employee Gap Is Real: How Can You Bridge It?

Direct care workers are an essential part of the long-term care’s future. What types of federal interventions are needed to support workers and enable them to thrive moving forward? A new report suggests solutions. Between 2019 and 2029, 7.4 million new jobs will be necessary to meet the growing demand for direct care workers in post-acute and long-term care (PALTC). Add to the that 6.9 million openings created by workers transferring to other occupations or leaving the workforce altogether, and a serious workforce crisis is brewing. With worker shortages already causing challenges across the county, a significant federal investment in this workforce is desperately needed. A new report from PHI International identifies several opportunities for the government to support direct care professionals and attract more workers to the field. … [Read more...] about New Report Suggests Federal Policy Priorities for the Direct Care Workforce

How has the pandemic changed your employees and your organization? Now is the time to take stock and create the workplace of the future that everyone wants. There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic changed us – as individuals, as workers, as employers, and as citizens. A recent survey of 14,000 people details the specifics of some of these changes and what impact they might have moving forward. … [Read more...] about From New Normal to Next Normal: Looking into the Post-Pandemic Crystal Ball

So let's all choose to challenge. How will you help forge a gender equal world? Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality. https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ #ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021 … [Read more...] about Celebrating International Women’s Day!

Racism has long been an issue in healthcare and other industries, but the pandemic brought this concern front and center and shined a light on its impact on our workforce. At the start of the 2020 Annual Summit of the Advancing Excellence in Long-Term Care Collaborative (AELTCC) late last year, Larry Minnix, author, consultant, and former CEO of LeadingAge, shared a hard truth: “If you are a person of color, you are likely to get poorer quality of care, fewer choices. We have people providing care who aren’t getting adequate benefits or play. This is where we need to start.” … [Read more...] about Addressing Systemic Racism Is Key to Our Successful Future; and It Starts with You

While you can’t celebrate the holidays with your employees in traditional ways, there are many creative options to spread joy, boost spirits, and say ‘thank you’ after a tough year. As COVID-19 rates surge throughout the country, medical experts and others are discouraging large gatherings such as parties. No doubt, you want to recognize the hard work of your teams and treat them to some fun and R&R; but you’ll have to find alternatives to traditional holiday parties. … [Read more...] about The Holiday Party’s Off. Now What?

Although unemployment has risen in recent months, the pandemic is causing some workers to jump ship. According to a new survey, one-fourth of U.S. workers say they’ve considered quitting their jobs during the pandemic. As to why, about 70% cite the challenges of juggling work, childcare, and other responsibilities. Some say that fears of being infected with COVID-19 are a major concern. As a temporary solution, about a fifth say they’ve taken leave until they figure out what their next step should be. … [Read more...] about More Employees Than You Think Are Weighing Risks and Benefits of Staying on the Job

A new report suggests that better pay for front-line staff would have a positive domino effect, impacting quality of care, turnover, and financial wellness. There is little question that direct care workers play an essential role in senior care – from home care to skilled nursing. They not only provide needed care and services, but they also touch residents’ lives, bring joy and laughter, and ward off loneliness. Yet there is a disconnect between these workers’ value and how they are paid. A new report from LeadingAge details how higher wages for direct care workers not only can boost their financial wellbeing but also reduce turnover, improve productivity, and enhance quality of life. … [Read more...] about Imagine a World with Living Wages for Direct Care Workers

The COVID pandemic has put a spotlight on caregivers, but there’s no pot of gold to reward them for their efforts. “It has taken a significant health crisis for our country to begin seeing the value of our long-term care system and its workforce – but this research shows how much work is needed to address the many barriers facing direct care workers,” says Jodi M. Surgeon, president of national advocacy organization, PHI. However, despite a high demand and growing appreciation for caregivers, wages remain low. This is among the results from a new PHI survey. … [Read more...] about New Report: Direct Care Workers Remain Undercompensated Superheroes