According to a new study, the key to reducing turnover and increasing engagement in nursing homes is a people-oriented work environment and staff support. This may be more important than wage hikes, according to the authors:
- Family members and direct care/administrative staff all identified the need for staff to feel appreciated and enjoy adequate support as critical to decreasing turnover.
- Some staff cited bonuses or incentives as important, it wasn’t mentioned in isolation. Instead, it was in the context of staff recognition/appreciation.
- Direct care workers identified positive work environments as a motivating factor for staff.
- Workers cited constant overwork and scattered support as factors that contribute significantly to turnover and dissatisfaction.
- Study participants – including staff and family members – identified new staff training and adequate training time as key to reducing turnover.
