Careers in Caring Checklist: How to Use December to Prepare for a Strong Year Ahead
As the year winds down, December offers nursing home operators an invaluable opportunity to prepare their workforce development strategies for a successful 2025. Recruitment and retention are ongoing challenges in the long term care industry, but with a focused effort this month, you can position your facility for improved hiring outcomes and stronger employee satisfaction in the new year. Here’s a checklist to help you make December count:
Review Current Workforce Development Strategies
- Analyze Workforce Trends
Review your hiring and retention data from the past year. Identify patterns in turnover, high-performing recruitment channels, and common feedback from exit interviews. - Evaluate Training Programs
Assess the effectiveness of current training and onboarding processes. Are there gaps in skills development? Seek input from staff to identify areas for improvement, and identify current staff that you can turn into Careers in Caring Champions. - Survey Staff Satisfaction
Distribute a short, anonymous survey to gauge employee satisfaction and identify pain points. Use this data to inform your retention efforts for the coming year.
Optimize Your Recruitment Approach
- Refresh Job Descriptions
Ensure your job postings are up-to-date, highlighting competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and your organization’s culture. Check out these sample postings that incorporate Careers in Caring research-proven language to encourage individuals to consider a career in long term care. - Leverage Seasonal Campaigns
Develop holiday-themed recruitment messaging to tap into job seekers’ new-year resolutions for career growth. - Strengthen Partnerships
Collaborate with local schools, job training programs, and workforce development organizations to expand your talent pipeline. Start planning now for spring career fairs! Use the Education Deck to build your presentation. - Highlight Employee Stories
Showcase testimonials from your current staff on your website and social media channels to attract candidates who align with your values. Short on stories? Use ours!
Enhance Retention Initiatives
- Plan Appreciation Events
Host a holiday celebration or distribute small tokens of appreciation to recognize your team’s hard work and boost morale. Be sure to put out your Careers in Caring Retractable Banner! - Launch Mentorship Programs
Pair new hires with seasoned staff members to create a supportive environment and reduce turnover. - Create a Training Calendar
Design and share a professional development schedule for the upcoming year, giving employees something to look forward to. - Implement Flexible Scheduling
Evaluate ways to offer more adaptable shifts or improved scheduling tools to address employee work-life balance concerns.
Prepare for Compliance and Credentialing
- Verify Licenses and Certifications
Ensure all employee credentials are up-to-date to avoid compliance issues in the new year. - Stay Informed on Industry Changes
Review upcoming regulations or changes that may impact workforce requirements, such as new training mandates or safety standards. AHCA/NCAL’s website is a trusted resource for this information. - Simplify HR Processes
Streamline hiring and onboarding workflows to make it easier for new employees to integrate quickly.
Engage the Community and Build Your Brand
- Host Open Houses
Invite prospective employees and families to learn about your facility and the values that drive your team—and again, don’t forget to put out your Careers in Caring Retractable Banner! - Participate in Local Events
Sponsor or participate in community activities to enhance your reputation as a desirable employer. This is a great time to do food drives, coat drives, gift drives, and more. - Utilize Social Media
Increase your presence on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with potential hires and share your facility’s achievements. Check out sample social media posts HERE.
By taking these steps in December, you’ll not only build momentum for January but also create a more stable and engaged workforce throughout the year. Prioritize your people, refine your strategies, and ensure that your facility is positioned to thrive in the competitive long-term care landscape.
Start now—January’s success begins today!
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