It may be difficult to keep every group home employee happy, but there are steps that can be taken to keep most of them happy, which will reduce turnover. A group home manager doesn’t have to allow him or herself to be taken advantage of to keep staff satisfied.
It can be done by the following:
- Draw Clear Lines
- Support Your Support Staff
- Don’t Overwork Your Support Staff
- Show Appreciation
Draw Clear Lines
It doesn’t mean you can’t be inflexible, but your group home support staff should know exactly what is expected of them and it should be clear that you expect them to fulfill their responsibilities in the home. When they fail to do that, they should know there are consequences.
Support Your Support Staff
Group home managers must walk the line between following the expectations that are expected from those above them and meeting the needs of the support staff in their home. When your support staff knows that you will fight for them and support them, they will be more loyal. In addition, they will have a higher level of job satisfaction.
Don’t Overwork Your Support Staff
Some staff really need the hours that you need to fill and will offer to work any time that there is a need. It is tempting to utilize them, but it will lead to burnout and maybe even abuse of residence. Keep track of the hours you are working your staff and make sure they have enough time for their family and to rest.
Show Appreciation
You may not be able to get your staff raises or better hours, but when they are there, you can show appreciation. Sometimes it may be as simple as making a call to say thank you or maybe provide the staff with a lunch. Nominating a hard working support staff for employee of the month will go a long way to showing your staff that you notice their hard work and dedication. Complimenting dedicated support staff to their guardian, day program or work program staff, office workers, and anyone else that you can is an effective way to show appreciation.
It takes a little time to keep group home support staff satisfied, but it takes even more time to train new staff.