OnShift Survey: Workforce Shortage, Leadership Burnout Among Top Seniors Housing Challenges

by Jeff Shaw

CLEVELAND — In its third annual Workforce 360 Survey, Cleveland-based HR software company OnShift revealed workforce shortages to be the top challenge among senior care organizations.

Responses came from more than 2,000 long-term care, senior living and healthcare professionals. Approximately 79 percent are most concerned with staffing shortages, overtaking last year’s top challenge of finding and hiring qualified candidates (currently 62 percent). Staffing shortages have had a direct impact on clinical and financial operations, as 35 percent of respondents indicated they have had to limit new admissions or move-ins.

Nearly 80 percent of respondents noted caregivers and hourly employees face critical levels of burnout, while nearly 90 percent of leaders indicated they’re stressed.

“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,” says Ray Desrochers, president and COO of OnShift. “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.”

The survey results show 83 percent of respondents ranked retention as a high priority, with 77 percent 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 percent of respondents are recruiting students, while 34 percent look to family members of patients, 28 percent consider retirees and 8 percent pursue gig workers.

To view the full survey results, click here.

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