Innovations help Christian Living Communities keep and care for staff
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Colorado’s most recent unemployment rate was 2.8 percent, a rate lower than all but three other US states. This low unemployment makes it particularly difficult for companies in hospitality and care-giving to find and retain qualified workers. At the same time, Colorado’s large number of aging adults continues to increase. One senior care company is rising to meet this challenge by thinking outside the box.
“Providing excellent service to residents remains our number one goal, and a skilled, consistent and happy team is what makes that possible,” explained Terry Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Christian Living Communities (CLC), a Denver-based not-for profit that owns, operates and manages a number of senior living communities and services in and outside of Colorado.
Keeping valuable workers involves more than just a raise. It often requires an intentional workplace revolution. To retain and reward employees, CLC implemented a series of new and creative workplace innovations spanning the financial, educational and relational spectrum.
Financially, the company has begun offering additional pay raises to 66 percent of employees while lowering health insurance costs and deductibles. CLC also increased employee paid time off and offered new scheduling options such as flexible start and stop times, job sharing and remote work options. To assist employees with life-challenges including rent, auto repairs, childcare and other needs, the company began a Critical Needs Fund and access to a professional “navigator” who can help staff access additional funding and create a financial action plan. These changes have made a big difference for many team members, enabling them to continue serving in the jobs they love.
CLC has recently offered new educational opportunities to its staff as well. The company’s Student Debt Reduction fund aids team members with student debt from college or nursing school. In addition to covering past schooling costs, CLC also awarded over $23,000 in scholarships to 16 staff members this past year. Since certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are some of the senior care professionals in highest demand, the company also offered grant-funded tuition for entry level employees to obtain CNA licenses.
“With strong mentoring and support, seven individuals have already graduated from this program,” shared Jan Roth, Vice President of Talent Resources for CLC. “Three are now employed by CLC, with a fourth coming on this July.”
Equally important as financial and developmental opportunities is a positive work environment. Christian Living Communities recently became the first senior living provider in the country to offer its staff access to “The Loop,” an innovative app providing social media and communication, on-the-go community updates and access to staff chat groups. Several CLC communities have also formed or are forming “Keeper’s Committees” where residents and employees work together to recognize employee milestones and address staff needs.
“These committees cultivate positive team spirit, strengthen relationships and give staff and residents a chance to solve issues together,” said Jayne Keller, Vice-President of Operations for Cappella Living Solutions (the management and consulting group of CLC). “In many ways, the Keeper’s Committees not only help residents connect with and appreciate staff, but also gives them the opportunity to support those who help care for them.”
The results of these changes? When the Keeper’s Committee was first initiated at CLC’s Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial, this initiative alone cut employee turnover in half over only six months. Overall, Christian Living Communities has already seen a 5% increase in its retention of valuable staff members such as CNAs who are particularly hard to replace in Denver’s current economy. CLC hopes that ongoing initiatives will continue to foster a culture of value and support as well as inspire others in senior care and across the industry spectrum to do the same.
Since 1972, Christian Living Communities (CLC) has been providing quality senior care and services in the south Denver metropolitan area, across Colorado and into Missouri and Illinois. CLC touches the lives of more than 2,000 older adults daily through their communities and services. For more information on CLC visit ChristianLivingCommunities.org or call 720.974.3555.