Home care relies on part-time staff
Home care is a vital service in the United Kingdom, providing care and support to elderly and vulnerable individuals who prefer to remain in their own homes. This type of care relies heavily on part-time and bank staff to provide the necessary services. According to a report by Skills for Care, around 1.62 million people were employed in the adult social care sector in the UK in 2021/22, with almost a quarter (24%) employed on zero-hour contracts. The report also found a turnover rate of 29% for the sector - combined with the fact that employers with favourable workforce metrics had lower staff turnover and/or higher CQC ratings, it is clear that effective management of part-time staff is essential for ensuring high-quality care.
Managing part-time staff in home care can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can be done successfully. In this article, we will provide the best five tips for managing part-time staff in domiciliary care in the UK, including real-life examples.
5 tips on how to manage part-time staff in home care
Effective management of part-time staff is crucial for running a successful home care business. By adopting the below tips, home care providers can not only ensure that part-time staff feel valued and supported, but also that high-quality care is continuously delivered to clients.
Tip #1: Communicate effectively
Effective communication is crucial in managing part-time staff in home care. Clear communication helps ensure that staff members understand their roles and responsibilities, as well as any changes to schedules or tasks. Communication also helps to build trust and rapport with part-time staff, which can help to reduce turnover rates and improve job satisfaction.
A real-life example of effective communication in home care is the use of check-ins with part-time staff. At the beginning of each shift, managers can touch base with staff to ensure that they are aware of any updates or changes to schedules. This can also be an opportunity to provide feedback or praise for a job well done.
Another example is regular team meetings. These meetings can provide an opportunity for part-time staff to share their experiences and feedback with other team members, as well as to receive updates on any changes to policies or procedures.
Tip #2: Provide clear task management
Part-time staff in home care often have a range of tasks to complete during each shift. Providing clear task management is crucial for ensuring that tasks are completed in a timely and effective manner. This can also help to reduce the risk of errors or omissions.
An example of clear task management in home care is the use of task lists. Besides the care plan for each client, have a way to create, assign and track general tasks. This can help ensure that part-time staff members are aware of tasks outside of their rota - especially when they concern admin, training, an entire team or safety & compliance.
Tip #3: Offer adequate training and support
Part-time staff in home care have a broad range of experience and qualifications. Providing adequate training and support is crucial for ensuring that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care.
For example: implement a comprehensive induction program for new staff members. This program can include training on policies and procedures, as well as on specific tasks and skills required for the job. Keep this information accessible for all staff members, at all times. This makes it easy for them to look up certain policies or procedures when they are visiting clients.
In addition, assigning a dedicated manager to oversee the work of part-time staff can help ensure they are effectively integrated into the team. The manager should be responsible for providing regular feedback and support, as well as mentoring.
Tip #4: Foster a positive work environment
A positive work environment is essential for ensuring that part-time staff members feel valued and motivated. This can help reduce turnover rates and improve job satisfaction, which have a positive impact on the quality of care provided.
As an example: use team-building activities. These activities can help build trust and rapport among team members, as well as reduce stress and improve morale.
Tip #5: Offer Flexibility
Part-time staff often have other commitments, such as caring for family members or studying. Offering flexibility in scheduling can help ensure that they are able to balance their work commitments with their personal responsibilities.
When it comes to scheduling, allow them to provide feedback and indicate availability for shifts. This can help to ensure that staff members are able to work shifts that fit with their other commitments, helping to reduce absenteeism and turnover rates.
Achieve meaningful results through these simple tips
Effective management of part-time staff members is crucial for ensuring that home care services are delivered to a high standard. Communicating effectively, providing clear task management, offering adequate training and support, fostering a positive work environment, and offering flexibility are the five key tips for managing part-time staff in domiciliary care.
By implementing these tips, home care providers can ensure that part-time staff members feel valued and supported, which can help reduce turnover rates and improve job satisfaction. In turn, this can lead to higher-quality care for clients, which is essential for ensuring that elderly and vulnerable individuals are able to live safely and independently in their own homes, and allow you to run a successful home care business.
Feel free to get in touch if you are interested in more practical advice for managing part-time staff successfully. You can contact us via our contact form, by email (hello@nooa.app) or phone: 0330 818 8540.
