The Flexible Work Schedule…What Today’s Candidates Want!

Why Should You Consider Getting Away from a Traditional Work Schedule? 

In today’s evolving workplace, flexibility is the key to staying ahead of your competition. Flexibility is not just a perk but a strategic advantage to attracting and retaining talent.  In fact, flexible schedules have shifted from a “nice thing” to a “must have” for many job candidates. They are placing a high premium on flexibility, especially the young gig workers.

In this blog, we’ll explore the flexibility candidates seek, discuss why it matters, and provide practical advice on how to offer and promote flexibility in your workplace.

The Case for Flexible Schedules in Senior Living

As we know, the senior living industry faces unique challenges including staffing shortages, high turnover, and burnout. Adopting flexible work schedules can address these issues while improving employee satisfaction and quality of care for residents. Here’s why flexible schedules should be considered in senior living: 

-Improved recruitment

Attracts top industry candidates who value the work/life balance; plus offering flexible schedules opens up candidate talent pools…Geography becomes less of a recruiting constraint.

-Higher retention rates

Employees who feel their personal needs are being accommodated are more likely to stay in their roles, reducing the cost and disruption of frequent turnover.

-Reduced absenteeism

Employees with a flexible work schedule are less likely to call off due to scheduling conflicts or personal obligations such as childcare needs or education schedules.

–Enhanced productivity 

Flexibility can lead to a more engaged employee and an engaged employee is more productive. 

-Improved staffing efficiency

 Adjustable schedules can prevent staff from working long and consecutive shifts which can cause burn out. In addition, offering shift swaps or self-scheduling tools reduce administrative time spent managing scheduling conflicts. 

-Improved morale

Flexible schedules can improve morale, especially for roles such as an MDS Nurse, Nurses in general, Administration, and leadership. In fact, at MedBest, one of our clients is allowing their MDS Coordinator to work 4 days per week for 10 hours per day with one day being remote. Thus far, it’s working out great for both our client and their MDS Coordinator.

What are Actionable Tips to Implement Flexible Schedules?  

1) Assess which roles can accommodate flexible schedules.

-Direct care roles such as a Director of Nursing is required to have consistent shift coverage onsite at the facility to meet regulatory compliance. For these roles, consider shift swapping or flexible start and end times. Also, allowing these roles to work from home one day per week could be beneficial.

-Administrative roles such as HR, FInance and Marketing involve duties that can be completed remotely, on a hybrid schedule, or flex hours as long as deadlines are met. 

-Support roles such as Dining can be flexible and staggered to align with peak demand. 

2) Analyze operational impact.

-Determine how flexible schedules might impact resident care and the collaboration of your team.

3) Assess technology & tools.  

-Make sure roles can be performed from a remote or home location. That said, you must have the proper technology and tools like Zoom, WhatsApp,  and scheduling software in order to offer flexibility. 

-Allow workers to self-schedule. “Self-scheduling” is when employees can choose their own work shifts from available options within parameters set by you. This allows them  greater flexibility and control over their work hours, often leading to increased job satisfaction and improved work-life balance. 

4) Ask employees for their input. 

-Hold meetings to understand which  roles employees believe could accommodate and benefit from flexible schedules without sacrificing resident care.  

Important Considerations for Implementing Self-Scheduling

Clear guidelines

Employers need to set clear rules and expectations regarding shift selection, including minimum hours, peak coverage requirements, and scheduling restrictions. 

Training

Employees should be properly trained on how to use the self-scheduling system. 

Communication

Open communication between management and employees is crucial to address any concerns or issues related to self-scheduling

How Should You Advertise or Promote Flexibility:

-Use the word “autonomy” when it comes to scheduling

-Make it part of the job description

-Post in job ads

-Post on social media

How is your organization empowering employees to take control of their schedules? Are you offering tools, policies or programs that let workers shape their workday? We’d love to hear what’s working for you! 

Contact us at 727-526-1294 / cwiseman@medbest.com. 

For an immediate interim talent need: www.medbest.com/client/ 

About Katie Piperata

Katie Piperata, NHA, MBA, CPC, Interim Solutions and Leadership Development Trainer, leads MedBest’s Interim Solutions Division. As a seasoned executive in senior living, she understands the industry and has mastered the art of developing and matching top interim leaders with Senior Living organizations in need of short-term coverage.

One of the attributes which has allowed Katie to help turn MedBest into such a successful recruiting firm, is that she has an extensive background in the Senior Living industry. Katie has been a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and an Executive Director of a five-star rated long-term care facility where she was repeatedly recognized for her achievements. Katie has also formalized procedures that have advanced MedBest within the health care recruiting world.

Katie is certified in the DISC/Motivators Success Insight Practitioner Program, a world-renowned program that qualifies her to interpret behavioral assessments that help clients avoid the pitfalls of an unsuccessful hire. Along with that credential, Katie has been recognized by the National Association of Personnel Services as being an expert in employment laws and how they relate to the day-to-day functioning of the search and staffing professional.

About MedBest:

MedBest is an award-winning national Executive Search Firm exclusive to the Senior Living / Long Term Care Industry. For more than two decades, we have connected senior living / long term care organizations with exceptional senior living executive talent for both permanent and interim roles. MedBest was named as a Top 20 Executive Search Firm in the US 2024 and Top 10 Interim Services Provider 2023! In addition, we were one of American’s top companies by Inc.5000 and a Tampa Fast 50 Company in 2021! MedBest is a member of the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) and American Staffing Association (ASA). Contact MedBest at info@medbest.com / 727-526-1294.