Given the time and financial investment required for an employee’s professional development, business owners likely wonder, “Is it worth it?” When you consider the positive impact that professional development can have on the business, employees, and residents, the answer is a resounding “Yes.”
As the senior living sector grows and changes, professionals within it face increased challenges and opportunities. Professional development, encompassing a range of activities aimed at growing skills, knowledge, and expertise, plays a crucial role in meeting these challenges.
According to Argentum’s Workforce Projections for Senior Care report, the senior population is increasing by more than 10,000 seniors per day. This, combined with employees exiting the labor force or switching to new occupations, means that the senior living industry will need to fill more than 3 million openings between 2021 and 2040. Professional development can help address this issue – successful professional development programs attract new applicants, retain current employees, and upskill the workforce to meet business needs.
Professional development benefits employers, by contributing to higher employee retention rates. According to the 2022 Assisted Living Salary and Benefits Report by Hospitals & Healthcare Compensation Service, the turnover rate among assisted living staff is over 40%. Professional development can help organizations combat this issue. Investing time and effort in professional development can significantly impact job satisfaction – employees who feel supported in their career growth will be more engaged and motivated. When employees see that their company is invested in their success, they are more committed and enthusiastic about their work. This contributes to a healthy work environment, and leads to lower turnover.
Employees also want professional development opportunities. According to SHRM’s 2022 Workplace Learning & Development Trends report, 76% of employees say that they are more likely to stay with a company that offers continuing education opportunities. The report also found that 48% of employees state that training opportunities were a factor in choosing their current company.
Employees seek professional development opportunities as a way to acquire new skills and hone existing ones. As the senior living industry evolves, so do the skills that are required in the industry. By participating in continuing education opportunities, professionals can stay ahead of the curve and enhance their skill sets.
Continuous learning is especially important for professionals in the senior living industry, since it impacts the well-being of the residents. Some of your employees will have continuing education requirements to maintain their certification. Even for those employees who are not certified, providing best-in-class care to your residents typically requires ongoing training. Specialized training programs give insights into the latest advancements in senior care, including healthcare technology, memory care support, and social engagement strategies. Continuing education ensures that caregivers are equipped with the tools to enhance the well-being of residents, and address their unique needs with compassion and competence.
Learning and mastering new skills not only boosts an employee’s confidence, but it can also open doors to new responsibilities and leadership roles. Professional development provides great tools you can utilize to develop your leadership pipeline. Providing leadership training programs for members of your team will benefit the overall management of your communities. The Center for Creative Leadership puts it this way: “Leadership development is not just about developing leaders—it is about creating a culture of accountability and performance … Leadership development creates a magnet for high-performers and fosters a high-performance organization. That is why organizations that are ‘built to last’ have strong histories of leadership development.”
The senior living industry has already seen some success putting these leadership programs in place. One example is the that Sunrise Senior Living has implemented. The program is aimed at growing future leaders in the company, by providing learning opportunities, like online lessons, mentoring, and individualized development plans. These tools will ultimately help employees reach their professional goals.
So how can your organization encourage professional development among your employees? Here are a few steps you can consider.
1. Identify skills and gaps among your employees
Addressing skill gaps among employees is essential for business owners and managers. Managers should meet with employees regularly to discuss their developmental needs and job performance, which will help identify areas where professional development would benefit them and the company. Additionally, soliciting formal and informal feedback about professional development empowers employees to participate in their own professional development journey, and encourages personal and professional growth.
2. Determine the organizational needs
Employees’ career paths should align with the company’s workforce needs. Consider your company’s strategic vision, and decide what knowledge or skills your employees should have to ensure future growth and success.
3. Design your company’s offerings
Once you know what to focus on, explore ways to create resources to meet the employees’ needs. Consider forming partnerships with other companies and industry speakers to deliver online lessons or in-house training sessions. Create an internal mentorship program to help employees connect with and learn from one another. Start an ongoing lunch-and-learn program to teach your employees in an informal setting without taking up too much of their time.
4. Use technology to your advantage
It’s crucial for employees to keep pace with technological developments. Rapid technology advancements impact all industries, and professionals armed with diverse skills and abilities offer more flexibility and value to employers than those who have not kept up. It’s easier and more inexpensive than ever to foster a culture of learning in the workplace by utilizing online learning tools.
5. Set policies for participation
One you have professional development resources available, create a plan for who can access these resources and how. Since creating a professional development program incurs costs, you may want to require that new employees wait 6 months before they can participate so they don’t get a certification then leave your company. Or maybe you require pre-approval. If a continuing education opportunity requires travel, decide what can be reimbursed. Be sure to document all of these the guidelines.
6. Create a culture of learning in the workplace
Some employees will be eager for professional development opportunities, while others might be reluctant. Managers should support professional development opportunities in and out of the workplace. Communicate all the continuing education offerings you provide, and incentivize workers to take part. Consider showing your team that learning and development is a priority at your company by taking part in the program yourself or leading a session. Share stories of successful programs, or new skills learned, to help encourage other employees to participate.
Professional development is not just a checkbox on a career to-do list; it’s a dynamic and ongoing process that contributes to personal and career growth. The benefits don’t just impact the individual employee; they contribute to the success of organizations and industries as a whole. The professional development journey is a commitment by both the employee and the employer to continuous improvement, adaptability, and a fulfilling career.
Elevate Your Senior Living Career with Argentum Training and Certifications
Training and certification are the foundations to stand out from the crowd as a senior living professional. That’s where Argentum comes into play. We have designed a series of industry training and certifications that will help you achieve more success in senior living. These educational resources go above and beyond providing just the basics and provide you with:
1. The Power of Expertise: Designed for Leaders, by Leaders
Argentum understands the complex challenges that come with senior living. Our suite of training and certification programs is crafted by industry veterans who have walked the same path, steering clear of theoretical fluff. From leadership essentials to operational fundamentals, our offerings are as pragmatic as they are powerful.
2. Hands-On Learning for Immediate Impact
Your journey with Argentum begins with us promising more than just knowledge—you’re gaining directly applicable skills. Our Introduction to Infection Prevention & Control Course, for instance, doesn’t just expand your understanding; it equips you to make a tangible difference in the safety of your community.
3. Accessible Learning: Learn When and Where You Want
We understand that learning should not be bound by time or place. With Argentum training or certification, you can craft a training schedule that fits your life, not the other way around. Our sessions are held throughout the year, ensuring you never have to wait to make a career-defining step.
4. Certification: A Testament to Excellence
The Argentum Certified Director of Assisted Living (CDAL) certification is a badge of honor, recognized across the industry. The CDAL certification signifies knowledge and validates your leadership capacity and management prowess.
5. An Opportunity to Realize Your Full Potential
For current and aspiring Executive Directors, our programs are unparalleled. The 16-module EDAL course dives deep into the multifaceted role a Director plays in every aspect of community management. And the CDAL credential? It’s not just another feather in your cap; it elevates you to the pinnacle of industry excellence.
Learn more about these Argentum training and certification opportunities:
- New! Infection Prevention and Control
This comprehensive training program provides caregivers with a deeper understanding of how to prevent infectious diseases from spreading throughout senior living communities, minimizing risk for both residents and staff. - Senior Living Sales Counselor Certificate Program
The Argentum Sales Counselor Certificate Program is designed to help you enhance your knowledge and competency in 3 fundamental areas: Industry Knowledge, Marketing Strategy and the Consultative Sales Process. Participants will take away a complete understanding of the different levels of senior living and be able to speak intelligently with prospective residents about the options that may fit their needs and preferences. - Executive Director of Assisted Living (EDAL) Certificate
Gather insight and best practices in 16 different learning modules, each designed to provide current executive directors, and those aspiring to become executive directors, with the fundamental information required to effectively lead a senior living community. Plus, earn up to 13 NAB/NCERS CEUs! - The Certified Director of Assisted Living (CDAL) Credential
The CDAL certification is essential to enhance the competencies required to effectively manage senior living communities. The CDAL credential measures more than just job skills. Executive directors that earn the CDAL credential demonstrate that they possess the unique knowledge, skills and sound judgment required to effectively lead all operational aspects of a senior living community. To become certified, 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.
What’s on the Horizon of Your Career?
Perhaps you’re aiming for that prestigious Executive Director role or striving to reshape how infection control is handled in your community. Maybe you’re looking to upskill and impress in your sales or managerial capacity. Argentum professional development courses aren’t just gateways to these goals, they’re the keys to unlocking even greater heights in your career path.
Don’t let opportunity fade away. Get more information for yourself or someone on your team about one of our learning programs today and experience the Argentum advantage firsthand. Step up, stand out, and lead the charge with us—all while being champions of senior living excellence.
