Trends in the Industry

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

According to a new survey, HR professionals have a strong voice in their companies and are using it to promote change and innovation. A vast majority (88%) of HR leaders responding to the 2020 Paychex Pulse of HR Survey feel that they are a strategic partner within their organization. Particularly, they say they have a vital role in navigating new regulatory challenges compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. About 80% believe that workplace technology helps support them in this role, and 79% say tech tools enable their workforce to be more efficient and productive. … [Read more...] about Loud and Proud: HR Professionals Speak Out, Plug In to Address COVID Challenges

Putting families first this fall means that some workers will require paid leave. Know now who is eligible and when. Your employees with children, especially as schools prepare to go back in session, are under tremendous stress. With many schools opening for in-person or remote learning or a hybrid model, your working moms and dads likely will have to spend some of their time juggling work and schooling. … [Read more...] about When the School Bell Rings, Where Will Your Employees Be?

If employees behave irresponsibly outside of work, it can have a disastrous effect on your organization and everyone in it. Consider a pledge to help ensure that workers take safety seriously 24/7. Your employees are representatives of your organization, even when they are off the clock. During this pandemic, you don’t want to see a worker on the evening news or an internet video socializing in a crowded bar or refusing to wear a mask to shop in a store. Your workers have a responsibility to protect themselves, their coworkers, your residents, and everyone they encounter in the course of a day. While you can’t monitor what they do and say 24/7, you can make sure they understand what behavior is expected of them and the consequences of noncompliance. … [Read more...] about Encourage Responsible Behaviors with COVID Pledge