News

In 2020, Roll Up Your Sleeves

On December 18, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Working side-by-side with frontline staff can help develop relationships between supervisors and direct reports and goes a long way in establishing trust and respect. Make 2020 the year you set the example. Walk the walk and model the behavior you expect to see from others.  

Last Chance to Participate in Staff Engagement Survey

On December 10, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Got 5 minutes? It’s your last chance to participate in our brief survey to better understand the state of employee engagement practices in aging services. The survey closes on Dec. 17. 

Praising Your Staff

On December 10, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Do you offer enough praise to your team? When you compliment staff, you set a culture of positivity. 

The more staff receive authentic, timely, and specific praise from you, the more likely they are to pass on that practice to others. You are setting the example. Staff who praise one another instill confidence in one another. For more on this, read In Praise of Praising Your Employees.

Get more information in the Workforce Center. Questions? Contact Jenna Kellerman.

Identify Your Top Influencers

On December 3, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Who are the top influencers in your organization? Influencers may not be formal leaders, managers, or directors. In fact, it’s likely that your top influencers are frontline staff.  

Check Your Email: Staff Engagement Survey

On December 3, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Check your email! Organization leaders in our member settings this week received an email from Jenna Kellerman, Director of Workforce Solutions for LeadingAge Minnesota, with a link to a 5-minute survey about staff engagement practices in senior care.  

Coming Soon: Employee Retention Survey

On November 26, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Have 5 minutes? Want to know key insights into staff retention? Get ready to take a brief survey next week to help us and you better understand the state of employee engagement practices in our field.

Experience the Frontline

On November 19, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Are you looking for ways to connect with your staff? Do you have a goal to build relationships with your team and to improve the culture of your organizations? 

Motivate Your Team: Engaged Speakers to Inspire, Motivate and Transform

On November 12, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

There is a reason why the keynote speaker is always a standing-room-only session at LeadingAge Minnesota’s Institute and Expo...people need to feel inspired! 

Focus on Meaningful Supports for Your Team

On November 5, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Our workforce today often faces challenges and complications in their personal lives. Research by the National Human Services Assembly suggests that staff who have stable family lives are more effective at work, as they can focus on work without personal distractions or stress. The Bridging the Gap Toolkit assists you in implementing supports that are meaningful to staff in your organization.  

Focus on Staff Strengths

On October 28, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Focusing on an individual team member’s strengths is more effective than focusing on improving weaknesses. One study showed a stark difference in engagement scores: 67% were engaged when their supervisor focused on strengths, as opposed to only 30% being engaged when their supervisor focused on weaknesses.  

Why is Staff Recognition Important?

On October 23, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Staff recognition builds morale and increases retention. Research shows it doesn’t have to take a big investment of time, effort or money to recognize team member contributions in a meaningful way. One of the most impactful, low-cost or no-cost strategies is meaningful, personal recognition.   

Are you Listening? Workforce Podcasts available

On October 15, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

The Workforce Innovators Podcasts from the LeadingAge Center for Workforce Solutions brings you interviews with various leaders in our field focused on programs to help address workforce challenges.  

Engage Staff in Decision Making

On October 8, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Getting staff input on decisions is important. When staff feel their opinion matters, they feel empowered in their roles and connected to the organization. 

When Staff Survey Says ‘Lack of Communication’

On October 1, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

A common concern on staff engagement surveys is “lack of communication” or “leadership doesn’t follow up on my concerns.” Often it feels like there is a disconnect as supervisors say they follow up on concerns raised by staff. So that begs the question: Do staff feel they aren’t being listened to because the follow-up loop was not completed? 

Create Inclusive Committees

On September 16, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Staff at all levels should be considered the expert in their roles. Serving on internal committees and task forces are ways to uniquely engage staff in the organization’s vision while tapping into their personal strengths and positional expertise.   

Experience Mapping

On September 10, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Experience mapping is an excellent tool to improve an organizational policy, procedure or practice. It provides a visual example of what a person experiences while completing an activity.

Celebrating Accomplishments

On September 3, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Knowing staff as individuals means knowing about their major personal accomplishments. Is a staff member running a marathon? Graduating from nursing school? Welcoming a new baby (remember new moms and dads)? Congratulate them!  

Representation Matters: Feature Team Members in Publications

On August 28, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

There are two things that make your organization special - the people you serve and the staff who serve your people. Make sure to share the great work that is being done every single day!  

The Power of Appreciation

On August 20, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

The power of positive thinking! Mike Robbins, author of Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation, says positive acknowledgement is “a crucial aspect of our being able to celebrate, appreciate, and express gratitude for the people around us.” He offers five ways to positively acknowledge others:  

Establishing a Peer Mentor Program

On August 13, 2019 by Jenna Kellerman

Mentor programs offer an important opportunity for staff to develop positive relationships, interact with friends at work, receive the peer support needed to succeed in a job, and increase meaning and purpose in their day. Beyond that, mentor programs have been proven to positively impact team member retention and satisfaction in all departments.