OnShift Survey Highlights Workforce Shortage, Leadership Burnout Among Senior Care Organizations’ Challenges

In its third annual Workforce 360 Survey, human capital management software company OnShift revealed workforce shortages to be the top challenge among senior care organizations. Responses from 2,000+ long-term care, senior living and healthcare professionals indicated 79% are most concerned with staffing shortages, overtaking last year’s top challenge of finding and hiring qualified candidates (currently 62%). Staffing shortages have had a direct impact on clinical and financial operations as 35% of respondents indicated they have had to limit new admissions or move-ins.

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The healthcare industry is facing a massive workforce crisis and employees at all levels are tired and burned out. Nearly 80% of respondents noted caregivers and hourly employees face critical levels of burnout, while nearly 90% of leaders indicated they’re stressed, likely exacerbated by yet another year of the pandemic and the Great Resignation.

“Post-acute care and senior living organizations are a vital part of our communities and have overcome many intense challenges over the past 18 months,” said Ray Desrochers, President and COO of OnShift. “Caring for seniors is a noble, fulfilling and rewarding career. We have a chance to draw more people into our industry and retain our existing employees by catering to their interests and needs, providing support and offering work flexibility. As evidenced in our Workforce 360 Report, providers have many opportunities and ways to grow and strengthen employee satisfaction and engagement. OnShift is committed to supporting our clients as they simultaneously navigate a multitude of industry shifts.”

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OnShift’s workforce report shows 83% of those surveyed ranked retention as a high priority, with 77% facing difficulties recruiting and hiring workers. By looking outside of the traditional workforce, this research highlights the opportunity to adapt in today’s challenging labor market. Over 70% of respondents are recruiting students, while 34% look to family members of patients, 28% consider retirees and 8% pursue gig workers.

Additional themes and data from the report include:

• Filling shifts remains a challenge. 75% had difficulty finding consistent coverage.
• Creative perks abound. 64% offer or plan to offer bonus pay for working difficult shifts while 49% have or are considering rewards and recognition programs to engage and retain employees.
• DEI is a 2022 priority. While workforce challenges, staffing and recruiting continued to top the list, notably 89% of respondents indicated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts were a priority for the coming year, with 50% citing it as a high priority.

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