How to improve your people management efficiently

Efficient people management can make all the difference for the success of your business, and the wellbeing of those you care for. Owners and registered managers of domiciliary care businesses in the UK are constantly seeking ways to enhance their operations, and addressing effective people management is often at the heart of it all. Effective people management is about ensuring that the care professionals, the backbone of any care service, are well-supported, skilled, and motivated. This article delves into five essential aspects of people management, providing actionable insights to improve efficiency and elevate the quality of care provided.

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1. Effective Hiring and Onboarding Strategies

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Effective recruitment and onboarding lay the foundation for a successful care team. Owners, registered managers or HR teams at domiciliary care businesses should start by defining clear job descriptions, outlining essential qualifications, and conducting thorough background checks. Creating a comprehensive onboarding process is equally crucial. New care professionals must be introduced to the organisation's values, policies, and procedures. This initial investment in hiring and onboarding pays off in the long run by ensuring that your team is well-equipped to deliver high-quality care.

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Actionable Point: Develop a structured recruitment process and implement a comprehensive onboarding program. Ensure that new care professionals are well-prepared to meet the challenges of domiciliary care.

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Resource Suggestion: Skills for Care offers valuable resources and best practices for recruitment and retention in the care sector.

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2. Ongoing Training and Development

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To keep pace with evolving care standards and practices, continuous training and development are essential. Care professionals should undergo regular training sessions focusing not only on core care skills but also on techniques to optimise visit efficiency. Topics may include rapid yet thorough assessment methods, how to acheive task prioritization during visits, and best practices for domiciliary care. Encourage a culture of learning within your organization to ensure that staff continuously improve their skills.

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Actionable Point: Schedule regular training sessions aimed at enhancing both the efficiency and quality of care delivery. Investing in the skill development of your care professionals will lead to improved care outcomes.

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Resource Suggestion: Explore the training resources provided by Skills for Care for domiciliary care workers.

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3. Building Strong Communication Channels

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Efficient communication is the linchpin of any successful care team. Care professionals need to be well-informed and understand their schedules and responsibilities. Establishing clear and consistent channels of communication is vital. Regular team meetings and digital communication tools can facilitate this process. Encourage an open-door policy where staff feel comfortable discussing their concerns or suggestions. Strong communication enhances visit efficiency and recipient satisfaction.

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Actionable Point: Implement clear communication channels within your care team. Ensure that care professionals are well-informed and feel comfortable discussing their care responsibilities.

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Resource Suggestion: Refer to communication guides and best practices within the domiciliary care sector to refine your interaction. You can find valuable resources on Skills for Care.

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Check it out! Sara from Newcross Healthcare Solutions shares how their team communicates effectively without emails and WhatsApp. Article continues below!

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4. Performance Management and Feedback

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Performance management is a crucial element of people management in domiciliary care. It involves regular evaluations, feedback sessions, and performance tracking. Digital tools can aid in this process, offering accurate and efficient performance assessments. Providing constructive feedback to care professionals is essential for their growth and development. A well-structured performance management system ensures that care professionals meet the highest standards and continuously improve.

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Actionable Point: Implement a robust performance management system that includes regular evaluations and feedback sessions. Use digital tools for performance tracking and offer constructive feedback to help care professionals excel.

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Resource Suggestion: Did you know Care Management Matters provides various resources on performance management in the care sector?

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5. Prioritising Staff Wellbeing for Retention

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The wellbeing of care professionals directly impacts their job satisfaction and retention. SME domiciliary care businesses should invest in staff wellbeing initiatives. These may include mental health support, recognition programs, and work-life balance policies. Show appreciation for your team's hard work and dedication to improve staff retention rates. A well-supported and satisfied care team is more likely to provide consistent, high-quality care to recipients.

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Actionable Point: Develop and implement staff wellbeing initiatives to support the mental and emotional health of your care professionals. Recognise and appreciate their contributions to the organisation.

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In conclusion, improving people management efficiency in SME domiciliary care businesses is a multi-faceted process. It involves strategic hiring, ongoing training, effective communication, performance management, and staff wellbeing initiatives. Embracing digital tools and solutions can streamline these processes, leading to better care outcomes. By taking action in these key areas, domiciliary care providers can enhance their operations, provide exceptional care, and ensure the satisfaction of both care recipients and care professionals.

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Want to read more about prioritising you staff's time? Click on the button below for our article 'Struggling with wasted staff time and effort'