Developing and retaining great employees is a challenge in many industries, particularly in human services. Here at Mainstay we are not immune to those challenges and are constantly working on ways to ensure our workforce is skilled, dependable and nurturing. In addition, we want our employees to feel that Mainstay is not only a great place to work, but also a place that will help them develop career skills.
To that end, Mainstay’s Program Administrator Kathryn Soderholm pursued participation in a two-year mentorship pilot program developed by the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts in collaboration with Nevvon Training – a global healthcare education company. The program focused on supporting caregivers to ensure “they have the skills, resources and encouragement needed to thrive in their roles.”
As a result of the program, the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts reported a more than 30-point increase in 3-month caregiver retention, from 66% to nearly 97%. A representative for the Alliance said, “These results highlight the significant impact that workforce development initiatives can have in enhancing caregiver satisfaction and retention, both of which are critical for ensuring high-quality care.”
Soderholm says the results of the mentorship program are encouraging and that Mainstay will make permanent changes to incorporate its core tenets. “The most valuable aspects were the training, the required structure of weekly meetings and the financial support for the time spent on training and mentorship,” she said. “The program provided greater support for new employees, desirable advanced training for experienced staff, and an additional ability to recognize exceptional staff.”
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