7 Ways To Encourage Your Staff to Lead With Initiative in Their Care Delivery
By Lihini Boteju
Behind the scenes of every exceptional care service lies a team of dedicated care workers who often go unappreciated or unrecognised for their service. In an industry where compassion and responsibility are paramount, encouraging care staff to take the initiative catalyses transformative care delivery and creates a nurturing environment where residents thrive.
Care workers are the heart and soul of any service dedicated to providing care and support to individuals in need. Encouraging them to take the initiative not only empowers them but also improves the quality of care and enhances the overall experience for the recipients. However, the lack of encouragement or support in recognising their valued contribution hinders these outcomes. For instance, The State of Caring Report 2022 highlights that most respondents disagreed with the 2021 government’s vision for adult social care in England in their White Paper People at the Heart of Care. The report conveys that:
- 69% of respondents did not feel that their needs were equally recognised and that their goals and aspirations were respected and fulfilled.
- 59% of respondents felt unsupported in providing care that considers his/her own access to education, employment, health and wellbeing.
- 50% of respondents did not feel that they possessed the right information and advice to be able to make informed decisions.
- 65% of respondents disagreed that they had access to appropriate support that suits his/her needs.
Hence, good delivery of care does not happen simply with sheer willpower or force. Helping staff feel valued and appreciated in their role with the necessary resources and support is essential for establishing a sustainable system of delivery of care. Enabling the care professional to passionately execute their service with a substantial interest in the betterment of his/her residents’ state facilitates the creation of a prospering care home space that contributes to the patient's longevity. Thus, a direct correlation exists between the value attributed to the worker and the value added to the resident. Accordingly, here are seven ways to motivate your care staff to take the initiative in providing their services.
1. Cultivate a Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive environment is fundamental to encouraging care workers to take the initiative. Foster open communication channels where ideas, concerns, and suggestions are welcomed. Encourage care staff to share their thoughts and experiences freely. Actively listen to their input, validate their opinions, and provide constructive feedback. A culture of support and collaboration instils confidence and motivates care workers to take initiative in their service.
2. Lead by Example
Leadership plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for initiative-taking. Managers, supervisors and other executives should ideally model the behaviour they wish to see in their care workers. Demonstrate proactive decision-making, problem-solving, and innovative thinking. Lead by example and inspire care staff to do the same through your actions. When the care staff witness their leaders taking the initiative, they are more likely to follow suit.
3. Provide Clear Expectations
Clearly outlining expectations and responsibilities empowers care workers to take ownership of their roles. Clearly communicate the organisation's mission, values, and goals. Ensure that each care worker understands their specific responsibilities and their autonomy level within their scope of work. When expectations are transparent, care workers feel empowered to take the initiative, knowing they have the support and guidance needed.
4. Recognise and Celebrate Initiatives
Recognising and celebrating the efforts of care workers who demonstrate initiative is crucial. Regularly acknowledge and appreciate their proactive behaviour. Publicly commend their achievements, share success stories, and highlight the positive impact they have made. Consider implementing an incentive programme, such as employee of the month, to showcase and reward those who consistently go the extra mile.
5. Foster Continuous Learning and Growth
Encouraging care staff to expand their knowledge and skills is key to inspiring initiative-taking. Provide opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and professional development. Offer resources and educational materials that empower them to stay updated on best practices and new advancements in care. When care workers feel supported in their growth, they are more likely to take the initiative to implement new ideas and approaches.
6. Empower Decision-Making
Care workers should be empowered to make decisions within their sphere of influence to foster initiative. Encourage them to think critically, problem-solve, and own their decisions. Establish clear guidelines and boundaries to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals under their care. Granting autonomy enables care workers to act promptly, adapt to specific needs, and contribute meaningfully to the service.
7. Encourage Collaboration and Idea Sharing
Promote a culture of collaboration and idea-sharing among care staff. Collaboration strengthens teamwork, sparks creativity, and empowers care workers to take the initiative collectively. Encourage regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and platforms for sharing insights and experiences. Foster an environment where care workers feel comfortable discussing challenges and proposing solutions, allowing them to take the initiative and feel accountable for their ideas.
Encouraging care workers to take the initiative in their service is a transformative approach that elevates the quality of care provided. By cultivating a supportive environment, leading by example, setting clear expectations, recognising initiative, fostering continuous learning, empowering decision-making, and promoting collaboration, care organisations can inspire their care workers to go above and beyond. With initiative-taking at the core, care workers become catalysts for positive change, delivering exceptional service and improving the lives of those they care for.
The latest insights in care, directly to your email
Enjoying the Care Hires White papers? Enter your Email address for guides, reports and insights into the Care industry.
