The senior living industry is at a crossroads. With the growing demands of an aging population and the challenges posed by workforce shortages, organizations must invest strategically in their most valuable resource: their employees. Professional development and training are no longer optional; they are essential components of a thriving, resilient senior living community.
Professional development is more than just an investment in individual growth; it’s a strategic approach to ensuring the long-term success of an organization. In the senior living industry, where the quality of care is directly linked to the skills and satisfaction of the staff, professional development plays a critical role.
Enhancing Employee Retention and Satisfaction
One of the most pressing challenges in senior living is employee turnover. According to Argentum’s Workforce Projections for Senior Care report, the senior population is growing by more than 10,000 people per day, leading to an anticipated need for more than 3 million additional senior living employees by 2040. However, the industry is currently facing a turnover rate of more 40%, as reported in the Assisted Living Salary and Benefits Report by Hospitals & Healthcare Compensation Service. This turnover not only incurs high costs but also disrupts the continuity of care provided to residents.
Professional development is a powerful tool in combating turnover. Employees who feel supported in their career growth are more likely to stay with their organization. A 2022 report by SHRM found that 76% of employees are more likely to stay with a company that offers continuing education opportunities. Additionally, 48% of employees cited training opportunities as a factor in choosing their current employer. By investing in professional development, senior living organizations can create a more engaged, motivated, and loyal workforce.
Adapting to Evolving Industry Needs
The senior living industry is constantly evolving, with new challenges and opportunities emerging regularly. Professional development enables employees to stay ahead of these changes, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed to provide the highest level of care. Continuous learning is particularly important in senior living, where advancements in healthcare technology, memory care, and social engagement strategies are critical to resident well-being.
Leadership Development as a Strategic Priority
Leadership plays a crucial role in employee retention and satisfaction. Argentum’s recent survey, featured in the Navigating the Nexus: Addressing Workforce Challenges in Senior Living report, found that the most common reason employees leave their positions is a poor relationship with their supervisor. Despite this, many organizations are not investing sufficiently in leadership development. The survey revealed that while more than half of respondents recognized the importance of leadership development, more than a third admitted their investment in this area was lacking.
By prioritizing leadership development, senior living organizations can not only improve employee retention but also build a pipeline of future leaders who are equipped to guide their communities through the complexities of the industry.
Key Insights from the Navigating the Nexus Report
Argentum’s Navigating the Nexus: Addressing Workforce Challenges in Senior Living report also provides a comprehensive analysis of the current workforce landscape in the senior living industry. The report, based on a survey conducted in late 2023 and early 2024, offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing senior living organizations today. Some of the key takeaways from the report include:
1. The High Cost of Turnover
One of the report’s most striking findings is the high cost of turnover in senior living. While most organizations reported spending between $100,000 and $200,000 annually on turnover-related expenses, nearly as many indicated that turnover costs exceed $1 million per year, with some spending more than $2 million. These costs include both hard expenses, such as recruitment and training, and soft costs, such as decreased employee morale and resident dissatisfaction due to staff changes.
2. The Role of Professional Development in Recruitment and Retention
The report also underscores the importance of professional development as a key strategy for improving retention and supporting recruitment. Survey respondents identified competitive wages, employee recognition, and reasonable workloads as important factors, but they also highlighted the need for career growth opportunities and leadership development. Despite this, many organizations are not investing enough in these areas, missing an opportunity to enhance employee satisfaction and reduce turnover.
3. Recruiting for Fit and Utilizing External Resources
The survey also revealed a shift in recruitment practices, with a renewed focus on finding candidates who are the right fit for the organization’s culture. This approach, which includes leveraging training and education programs to connect with potential employees, is seen as a positive development for the industry. Additionally, the report suggests that senior living organizations may be underutilizing federal and state workforce recruitment resources, such as American Job Centers, which could help address diversity goals and provide access to a broader talent pool.
To address the recruiting gap, the most recent Senior Living Workforce Symposium, that took place on August 5-6 in Arlington, VA, was an unparalleled event that brought together leading workforce organizations dedicated to bridging the gap between employers and top-tier candidates. Unlike any other event in the industry, the Argentum Workforce Symposium convened a diverse array of partners—from workforce boards and Job Corps to community colleges—who are committed to connecting senior living owners and operators with the talent they need to thrive. This symposium provided a unique platform for senior living professionals to engage with key stakeholders and explore innovative strategies for addressing workforce challenges. By fostering these critical connections, the symposium played a vital role in ensuring the senior living industry has access to a robust and qualified workforce.
Industry Training Programs Provide Much Needed Support
Recognizing the critical role of professional development in addressing workforce challenges, Argentum offers a comprehensive suite of training and certification programs designed to support the growth and success of senior living professionals.
1. Executive Director of Assisted Living (EDAL) Certificate Course
The Executive Director of Assisted Living (EDAL) certificate course is a cornerstone of Argentum’s training offerings. This 16-module program provides both current and aspiring executive directors with essential insights and guidance across a wide range of topics, including leadership, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance. Participants can earn up to 13 NAB/NCERS CEUs, making this program an invaluable resource for those looking to advance their careers in senior living.
2. Infection Prevention and Control Training
In today’s health-conscious environment, infection prevention is a top priority for senior living communities. Argentum’s Infection Prevention and Control training course equips caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, safeguarding both residents and staff. This training is particularly important in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
3. Senior Living Sales Counselor Certificate Program
For those involved in the sales and marketing side of senior living, Argentum offers the Senior Living Sales Counselor Certificate Program. This program is designed to enhance knowledge and competency in key areas such as industry knowledge, marketing strategy, and the consultative sales process. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the different levels of senior living and be able to effectively communicate options to prospective residents.
Executive Directors Take Their Careers to a Whole New Level
The Certified Director of Assisted Living (CDAL) certification is recognized industry-wide as a mark of excellence. Eligible assisted living executive directors must pass a written examination based on knowledge domains and job tasks related to duties performed by assisted living executive directors. To date, more than 600 senior living executive directors have earned the designation.
This credential is designed to validate the leadership capacity and management skills of executive directors, ensuring they are well-equipped to lead their communities effectively. The CDAL credential is more than just a certification; it represents a commitment to professional growth and operational excellence.
By ensuring executive directors in your communities hold the CDAL credential, a mark of their expertise and dedication to delivering the best possible care, you’ll elevate your community’s reputation and operational excellence. Residents and their families want peace of mind that your community delivers the best care possible. This not only sets your community apart as a leader in senior living but also reassures families that their loved ones are in capable and caring hands. Learn more about the CDAL certification.
In the rapidly evolving senior living industry, professional development and training are not just beneficial—they are essential. By investing in the growth and development of their employees, senior living organizations can reduce turnover, improve resident satisfaction, and build a stronger, more resilient workforce.
