Caregiver and CNA recruitment is always a challenge, but the calendar provides particular ups and downs along the way. The holiday season, for example, often proves to be a tough time to hire Caregivers, with agencies struggling to meet their needs from Thanksgiving through the New Year. On the flipside, many agencies find summertime to be an easier season to recruit CNAs and Caregivers to fill their open shifts. Another dip looms just around the corner for agencies across the country, for soon approaches the only time Americans are happy to receive mail from the IRS - tax refund season.
This period from the end of March through April greets many home care agencies with their highest turnover of the year. As Caregivers and CNAs receive their tax refunds, some of them leave their current positions. Many Caregivers work with multiple agencies in order to get the number of hours they need, despite the fact that 80% of them would prefer to work for just one employer if possible. With a new cash infusion these Caregivers may take the opportunity to work for just one of their current agencies, or as transition money while they look for a new position entirely which can offer their desired schedule or hours. For some Caregivers it’s the push they need to leave a workplace they no longer felt was a good fit for them.
From a retention standpoint, this is scary. High turnover already creates a mountain of challenges for home care agencies, and anytime it rises those issues are compounded. It creates an instant shortage on your staff and forces you to turn up the knob on your Caregiver, HHA, and CNA recruitment efforts. The best thing to do is make sure your Caregivers know they are appreciated and valued. Continue focusing on strong relationships between Caregivers and staff members to try and reduce the impact your agency feels during this time.
From a Caregiver recruitment standpoint, this season brings opportunity. With Caregivers getting the boost they need to leave their current position in search of greener grass, it’s your time to showcase why your agency can provide what they’re looking for. Agencies with strong brands amongst Caregivers and competitive employment offerings are primed to make the most Caregiver and CNA hires. And remember, this April phenomenon isn’t limited to our industry. Workers from fast food and retail may leave their posts hoping to find more meaningful work. Is your agency prepared to welcome them with open arms, training, and a new career path? Think about the messaging your agency is putting out, and how you can hone that to take full advantage of the game of musical chairs playing out after tax returns are opened. After all, you don’t want it to be your agency left standing when the music stops.
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