What to Do When Staff Wants to Quit | Assisted Living Tips
Nov 18, 2024
Assisted living is a rewarding but demanding field, and staff retention is crucial to maintaining quality care and stability. However, high turnover among caregivers and administrators remains one of the most significant challenges for facility owners and operators. While staff transitions are sometimes inevitable, proactive communication and supportive management can go a long way in keeping your team happy and committed. In this guide, we’ll explore key strategies to help reduce turnover and foster a supportive environment for your administrators and caregivers.
Check out the video, too:
The Challenge of Retaining Administrators
Administrators play a vital role in running an assisted living facility, and yet they often bear a heavy emotional burden. Over time, some administrators may feel isolated or unsupported, which can lead to burnout or turnover. For example, one of my administrators at my Colorado facility struggled with a verbally aggressive resident, which caused her considerable stress. Despite her efforts to handle the situation professionally, the emotional toll brought her to the brink of resignation.
This scenario highlights how essential it is for administrators to feel supported, especially when facing challenging situations. Providing them with a strong support network and clear communication can make a significant difference, not only for their job satisfaction but also for the stability of your facility.
Supporting Staff on the Brink of Resignation
When you notice an administrator or team member showing signs of burnout or frustration, reach out to initiate an open and honest conversation. A simple check-in via text, phone, or in person can demonstrate your support and let them know they’re not alone in handling challenges.
In the example above, the Colorado administrator reached out, expressing her stress and uncertainty. While the underlying issue couldn’t be resolved immediately, consistent, empathetic communication reassured her that she was valued and supported. Knowing she wasn’t handling everything alone helped alleviate some of the stress and allowed her to navigate one of the toughest times of her career.
When It's Time to Let Go
Sometimes, despite best efforts, staff may decide to move on. When this happens, handling the conversation with empathy and understanding is key. For example, one of our administrators in Idaho resigned due to a long commute and high workload. Responding with compassion and respect helped maintain a positive relationship. Recognizing her contributions and understanding her reasons for leaving allowed the transition to end on a high note, showing her that her work was appreciated.
Positive exits like these can pay dividends in the long term. The assisted living industry is small and interconnected, so maintaining good relationships, even with former employees, can support your reputation and future hiring efforts.
Supporting Administrators in Out-of-State Facilities
Running out-of-state facilities adds extra challenges to supporting your staff, as it requires ongoing remote communication to ensure administrators feel engaged. Regular check-ins through calls or emails can make remote administrators feel more connected and valued.
In one instance, when the Idaho administrator mentioned earlier gave her two weeks' notice, ongoing follow-up conversations provided her with the opportunity to express her concerns and feel genuinely appreciated, even from afar. While she ultimately left, she departed knowing her efforts were valued, and the connection remained positive.
The Power of Communication
Strong communication is one of the most effective tools to retain staff and foster a positive environment. Administrators and caregivers who feel supported are less likely to consider leaving, and they contribute to a more cohesive, stable workplace.
As an owner or operator, take the time to regularly check in with your team about their concerns and look for ways to alleviate their stress. Simple actions like listening, showing appreciation, and offering constructive support can strengthen morale and improve retention.
Prioritizing Support and Success for Your Team
Operating an assisted living facility is filled with challenges, but supporting your staff through effective communication and understanding can make a substantial impact. Whether you manage your facility locally or remotely, fostering open lines of communication with your team helps build a resilient, motivated, and loyal workforce.
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