This is GOOD NEWS!

What feels abundant right now is trauma, stress, and burnout.  Heading up an Aging Services organization during this time has been no easy task.  At AGE-u-cate, we have tried to offer nuggets of support and encouragement to help infuse some hope in what feels like a long nightmare. 

With so much out of our control these days, there is something we can control, and that is how we relate to each other.  Kindness should always be a part of a leadership philosophy, but when we feel pushed to the edge, kindness might take a backseat.

Kindness can be defined as the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.  Seems like a fairly simple and straightforward way to interact with others.  In fact, ABC news reported last year on research that informs us that being kind pays off.  Being kind makes us feel better and healthier, and is wired into our survival.  Oxford anthropologist Oliver Curry believes that we are kind because under the right circumstances we all benefit from kindness.

 

When you explore why we humans like to read, you find statements such as,

Aging Services providers are scrambling to find new and dynamic ways to replenish their depleted workforce.  Creative messaging and incentives are being deployed to entice prospects, but these efforts are for naught if turnover continues at the pace this industry has experienced.  A laser focus on employee retention is imperative.

AGE-u-cate thrives on relationships, whether that be with aging services providers or industry partners.  

I attended the most extraordinary virtual symposium with my AGE-u-cate colleague, Laura Ellen Christian.  Hosted by Penny Cook and her team at The Pioneer Network, the day was entitled "Envisioning the Future:  Finding Meaning & Purpose."  Both of our heads were spinning all day as we furiously chatted via Teams our take-a-ways and ideas. 

One of my favorite statements in the movie, "The Fellowship of the Ring" is, "What is this new devilry?"  Such is the question asked by many Aging Services leaders as they face the next slam with the pandemic- staff vaccination.  Some employees vaccinated willingly, some begrudgingly, and others not at all. 

How can providers encourage vaccination compliance and ultimately retain their workforce?