Strategies & Resources for Overcoming Workforce Challenges in Aging Services

Workforce challenges remain one of the most common struggles reported by LeadingAge PA members. This Careers in Aging month, why not take the opportunity to start fresh by evaluating current trends and patterns, and employing new strategies to positively impact your organization? Analyzing a workforce strategy doesn’t have to be a lengthy, complicated task; there are many resources available through LeadingAge and LeadingAge PA to support those efforts. 

RECRUITMENT 

Finding the right people to become part of your team can be challenging, though identifying pools of potential employees is essential. Just as crucial is presenting aging services careers in a way that showcases the benefits and attracts quality candidates. LeadingAge offers several resources to its members. 

• Opening Doors to the Aging Services Workforce: Through extensive research, public opinion surveys, and focus groups, the Opening Doors to the Aging Services Workforce toolkit identifies opportunities for organizations to optimize their job descriptions and better share the story of the benefits of working in aging services.  

• Hiring Refugees: With the United States welcoming refugees, there are ample opportunities to connect them to fulfilling careers in aging services. You can explore more ideas and information on this topic by checking out a recent LeadingAge webinar. 

RETENTION 

While you are reevaluating your recruitment strategy, it is essential not to neglect your current employees. Investing in your employees not only impacts their perceptions of feeling valued but also sets your organization up for success moving forward. Look for ways you can support your current team’s professional development. 

• Succession Planning: This planning is imperative to any retention and overall workforce strategy. Show that you value your employees by incorporating them into the organization's future. According to LinkedIn, the “Nine Box talent grid” is a method to organize and quickly assess employees’ potential for future leadership in the organization. Of course, this method has its limitations but may be a good jumping-off point in your succession planning journey. 

• Professional Development Scholarships: The LeadingAge PA Professional Development Scholarship is offered each year for employees of LAPA member communities to pursue continuing education, certification, and licensure to benefit the aging services sector. The application window for opened in February 2024, so be sure to encourage your staff members and colleagues to apply! 

• Higher Education Partnership Program: The Higher Education Partnership Program provides opportunities for any LeadingAge PA member’s staff (and, in some cases, staff spouses and dependents) to access discounts at various institutions of higher learning. Help your employees get the best bang for their buck on their professional development journey! More information about the program can be found on our website here.  

CULTURE 

Your company culture is collectively its values, behaviors, and standards. A strong culture can positively impact your entire organization, from increased productivity to decreased turnover. There are many ways to improve the workplace environment: 

• Flexible Scheduling: Today’s workforce has made it very clear that flexible scheduling options are a priority when choosing an employer. Suppose you need support learning to adapt your organization to flexible scheduling options. In that case, you can check out the LeadingAge Flexible Scheduling Toolkit for explanations of different types of flexible scheduling options and tips for implementation. 

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Toolkit: Investing in DEIB is critical for building a strong organizational culture. Ensuring that it is a priority can lead to reduced turnover and increased performance. You can check out LeadingAge PA's DEIB Toolkit to get information and tips on how to embrace DEIB at every stage of your workforce development strategy. 

LeadingAge PA is here to be a resource for your organization. If you have any questions, please reach out to Erin McDermott, Director of Member Engagement & Workforce Solutions.