Companies can’t find the right talent with the right skills at the right time; and it’s hurting growth and innovation. Rapidly changing technology and lack of qualified job candidates have led the skills gap to jump from 52% in 2018 to 64% in 2019, according to a new report, “Closing the Skills Gap 2019.” Nearly half (44%) of employers surveyed say that it is more difficult than ever to fill the skills gap, and 42% say it makes their company less efficient. … [Read more...] about Study: Skills Gap Grows as Employers Scramble for Qualified Workers
Trends in the Industry
New Report: In Midst of Growing Workforce Shortages, More Caregivers Live in Poverty
Wages appear stagnant for home care workers and nursing assistants, despite their essential role in caring for the nation’s skyrocketing older population. A new report from PHI International shows that wages for home care workers and nursing assistants in nursing homes remain low and that many of these individuals live in poverty. “Our research continues to show that despite their profound value to older people and people with disabilities nationwide, direct care workers struggle with low-paying jobs that threaten the stability of this sector,” said Jodi M. Sturgeon, PHI president. The data shows that the nearly 2.3 million U.S. home care workers earn an average $11.52 an hour and $16,200 per year, and 1 in 6 of these individuals lives in poverty. Wages for nursing assistants in nursing homes are slightly higher, with an average hourly … [Read more...] about New Report: In Midst of Growing Workforce Shortages, More Caregivers Live in Poverty
Don’t Wait for a Disaster or PR Nightmare: Wake Up to Value of Continuous Checks
More companies are implementing ongoing background checks to keep people safe and avoid trouble. A lot can change in a short time. An employee who passed a background check a year ago could be a risk or an embarrassment today. If you’re not rescreening current employees, you’re not alone. In 2018, only 11% of workers underwent routine additional screenings. However, there are many reasons that continuous background checks may be necessary; and a growing number of employers are seeing this as a priority to protect their reputation and, more importantly, keep clients/residents, employees, and other stakeholders safe. … [Read more...] about Don’t Wait for a Disaster or PR Nightmare: Wake Up to Value of Continuous Checks
Survey: Emotional Intelligence Makes for Better Leaders, Stronger Teams
Despite proof that EI is a key characteristic of motivated, productive, innovative employees, employers are playing with fire by ignoring it. Imagine this scenario: Bob has been working tirelessly on a proposal for a new project. He’s put countless hours into this, and he feels passionately about it. Finally, it’s time for him to present his proposal to management. The finance VP expresses some serious concerns about the budget. Bob gets upset and storms out of the meeting. As a result, the project is delayed and eventually turned over to another employee. Intelligent people can do stupid things when they let their emotions get the best of them. Lacking emotional intelligence (EI), the ability to process emotions and demonstrate self-awareness, self-control, empathy, and social skills, is a problem for leaders and their teams, even if every person involved has higher than average IQs. One [Read more...] about Survey: Emotional Intelligence Makes for Better Leaders, Stronger Teams
Are You Breadcrumbing Employees?
Dangling promises in front of people can keep them engaged for a while; but without follow-through, that strategy could cost you good workers and your reputation. Just when you’ve learned all about "ghosting" and how it can negatively impact your workplace, along comes a new concept that might be even more insidious. Move over ghosting: here comes "breadcrumbing." What is breadcrumbing? It is generally defined as sharing bits of praise and hints about possible promotions, raises, or projects to keep employees in line without actually giving them anything. In many ways, it’s just an updated term for “intermittent reinforcement,” which psychologists have long considered a way to influence someone’s behavior. The danger of breadcrumbing is that when these hints of raises, promotions, or projects don’t materialize, employees … [Read more...] about Are You Breadcrumbing Employees?
Your Nurses May Not Be as Prepared to Handle a Crisis as You Think
Studies suggest nurses could use, would welcome more training on disaster management. Nursing staff, particularly practitioners who are fresh out of school, may have insufficient training to handle a catastrophic event such as a pandemic, water contamination crisis, or mass shooting. According to two recent studies, most nursing students say they are not getting enough emergency response instruction. At same time, professors and lecturers say they are unprepared to educate students adequately about how to provide care during and after a disaster. … [Read more...] about Your Nurses May Not Be as Prepared to Handle a Crisis as You Think
Survey: Working Moms Don’t Know Their Rights About Breastfeeding, Pumping
Employers can–and should–do more to ensure new mothers feel supported, empowered on the job. According to a new survey from Byram Healthcare Centers, only 18% of working mothers who breastfeed know what rights they have in the workplace. More than half (52%) say they didn’t know that they are legally entitled to a room to pump/express milk for a year after giving birth, nor did they realize that this room must have shades or no window and a lock. Just 11% of respondents say they didn’t think they were entitled to any protections. … [Read more...] about Survey: Working Moms Don’t Know Their Rights About Breastfeeding, Pumping
Survey: Employees Still See Racism as Major Concern
As companies expand diversity and inclusion, they need to address racism and bias. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, more than 4 in 10 respondents say the U.S. still has progress to make when it comes to racial equality. Addressing concerns about racism and prejudice in the workplace should be an ongoing priority, especially as employers seek to increase diversity and inclusion. You can be a leader in creating and sustaining an inclusive culture where people feel safe, engaged, and respected the same as all of their peers. … [Read more...] about Survey: Employees Still See Racism as Major Concern
CCRCs: Salaries Up, Turnover Down
Pay is up for line workers and others in Continuing Care Retirement Communities. According to the new 2019 CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Communities) Salary & Benefits Report, pay is up for employees at all levels in this sector of the long-term care industry. The biggest salary winners were line workers. For instance, Certified Nursing Aides (CNAs) enjoyed an average 4.1% pay hike, and kitchen porters saw a pay boost of 5.3%. Sous chefs/cooks and dietary aides received an average 4.8% raise. … [Read more...] about CCRCs: Salaries Up, Turnover Down
Survey: Unpaid Caregivers Need/Want Support to Balance Work, Family
Help family caregivers for loyal, productive, healthy teams. Look around your organization. With around 1 in 6 working Americans currently serving as an unpaid, primary caregiver to a family member, there is a good chance that some of these people work with you. If you think this none of your business, think again. Unpaid caregivers often come to work tired, stressed out, and emotionally exhausted, despite their best efforts to juggle work and personal life successfully. You need to be prepared to understand and support employees who are also caregivers to ensure a productive, engaged, innovative workforce. … [Read more...] about Survey: Unpaid Caregivers Need/Want Support to Balance Work, Family