or leave the industry forever, this will result in a significant void of leadership talent. That type of void is not going to be easily filled.


USING CONNECTION


TO REDUCE STRESS We all have ideas on how to reduce stress, but when you are in the midst of the unprecedented type of intensity our industry has faced, it can be hard. Some use unhealthy options to numb their pain. Others spin in their anxiety. Reminding our leaders of healthy options for stress reduction can be vital, but an even more powerful tactic is helping them rebuild and leverage their connections with their peers.


During the last two years, everything was focused internally on our sites. We kept away from each other and socially distanced. Yes, we Zoomed or used Microsoft Teams and other communication tools, but the lack of face-to-face connection has taken a toll.


While budgets for many sites are still tight, finding the resources to send your leaders to industry events can ultimately be a very cost-effective method for helping them to reconnect with others, with themselves, and with the reasons they care about their work. It is certainly cheaper than paying fees to recruit their replacement if they leave.


Connecting with industry peers who understand the complexities of leading multidisciplinary teams offers them a safe zone for decompression and better stress management. Encouraging opportunities for peer interaction also offers a safe place to share concerns, and, if well facilitated, can focus conversations on solutions, tactics, and remedies.


USING MENTORING AS


A WAY TO RE-ENGAGE While providing opportunities for these leaders decrease their level of stress is vital, we also need to provide them with pathways to reconnect to their passion for older adults. One powerful and effective approach is encouraging them to set aside time in their calendar for actively mentoring younger staff.


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Mentoring allows opportunities to get to know these young adults and to become stimulated by their new ideas. These meetings provide a chance to share insights with them about what an amazing career working with seniors can be and talk about potential career pathways.


Connecting with the young after being immersed with the old provides a counterbalance to renew their energy. It can also stimulate new ideas and opportunities. As our industry continues to expand its use of automation and other technology devices or enhancements such as robots, the insights of our younger team members will be of increasing value.


FINAL THOUGHTS


While providing opportunities for these, the power of connection can help burned out leaders remind themselves of how truly important they are to this industry and the residents they serve. As they build deeper bridges with team members that they would typically spend little time with, these leaders may also enhance the retention of those younger workers who would likely leave for different opportunities. Our young workers are the future leaders of our industry, if we can keep them and engage their passions so that they too can find a meaningful career serving older adults. What a powerful way to connect to the future and simultaneously re- engage our valuable leaders.

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