As of 2021, the United States was home to over 55 million people aged 65+, and this number is expected to nearly double by 2040. The demand for healthcare, hospice, and home healthcare workers will increase as the population ages. Yet this sector experiences high turnover, with one study citing the rate at 65.2%.
Which Factors Impact Turnover?
Low wages and long hours are common causes of turnover, and the healthcare industry is not immune to these issues. But some of the turnover is caused by factors unique to healthcare. Because of its nature, healthcare poses an increased risk of mental health issues and burnout.
Healthcare workers are often subject to intense, stressful situations. And those working in home care and hospice care have to come to work knowing they will eventually lose patients at some point in their career. These factors take a toll on caregivers. And on top of the emotional stress associated with the job, home care workers are among the lowest paid in the industry.
Why Turnover Matters
High turnover can impact the level of care patients receive. Until a caregiver is replaced, their coworkers may be covering multiple patients and spending less time with each. Clients might notice a decrease in care, causing them to choose another provider, which financially impacts the organization and may impair its ability to pay caregivers more competitively.
What To Do About Turnover
There are ways to reduce turnover and attract new caregivers. Since mental health challenges and burnout are some of the biggest factors leading to turnover, create a culture of support. Caregivers and other employees should have access to resources they can use to deal with the everyday stressors of the job.
Healthcare organizations should evaluate their salary and benefits packages to stay competitive and attract a bigger talent pool. Paid time off, flexible schedules, and other benefits can help healthcare workers better manage their stress and lower the risk of burnout.
Using technology in the workplace is another way to improve company culture and boost morale. Tools that help automate repetitive tasks like intake, payer requests, and referrals can help caregivers and other employees focus on the complicated parts of their job. Automation can also make employees more efficient, giving them more time to dedicate to a work-life balance.
Finally, accurate communication can go a long way toward boosting morale. Home health and hospice caregivers may face changing schedules, patient updates, and other issues that can impact their job if not communicated quickly. Using digital tools to relay information can help boost job satisfaction because caregivers know they’re in the loop.
Let Technology Help
WorldView offers an all-in-one platform for storing and sharing data, tracking orders, accessing medical records, and communicating between the team. This platform can help an agency automate certain tasks and make a provider’s job easier. The HIPAA-compliant system allows employees to spend less time on paperwork and more time on caregiving.
