In any industry, especially in long-term care, we spend a lot of time at our jobs, so we should find fulfillment in our work, not just a paycheck!
What’s the definition of a fulfilling job? It’s a role that enables you to apply your talents, interests and values in a supportive environment while also meeting your financial and personal needs. In addition, it’s also a position that allows you to see the results of your hard work.
That said, let’s break it down further and look at 9 core attributes that make a job truly fulfilling.
Engagement. When you find your work interesting, it’s easier to get more invested and engaged. A role that draws you in makes you feel more fulfilled and provides a greater sense of job satisfaction. In addition, you will probably be more enthusiastic, committed, and energized. Argentum’s survey of over 20,000 employees at senior living communities confirms that with higher employee engagement, workers want to stay and in turn, communities have lower employee turnover, higher occupancy rates, and increased resident satisfaction.
Career path. A career development path provides you with an opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge. This can lead to the mastery of best practices in your current role as well as future promotions and transfers that may take you to a new or different position or location. The senior living and care industry offers life-long career opportunities and advancement. Communities help staff members advance their careers within assisted living, continuing care retirement communities, life plan communities, skilled nursing, memory care and home care. Plus, it’s filled with a variety of positions for almost any career path, from nursing to accounting, sales and culinary, etc.
Purpose. Purpose is the “why” we do things and about finding our place in the world and workplace. According to LinkedIn, 70% of today’s employees see their sense of purpose as being defined by the work that they do. In other words, you gain fulfillment by doing work that’s meaningful to you. Your work connects you to a greater good. For example, in senior living and care, your job could positively impact our older population. It’s not an industry where people just show up and get a paycheck; it’s where you can truly make a difference every day.
Recognition. Recognition from leadership helps you to see that your work is valued and appreciated. Public recognition in senior living could be Employee of the Month, Star of the Community, Going Above & Beyond award, etc. Being publicly recognized and honored enables you to feel goodwill towards your organization or community and helps you to develop a greater attachment to your role.
Healthy workplace and culture. A fulfilling job largely depends on an organization that offers a healthy workplace. When you feel cared for, you’re apt to give back and be more invested. Plus, it improves your morale. You probably feel pretty good about working for an organization that offers resources to successfully complete your assignments while also caring for your well-being. For long-term care, given the nature of many senior care roles, staff health is particularly important. Fortunately, there are many ways that senior care organizations have supported staff health including generous PTO, gym memberships, wellness programs that include physical and mental health, and offer healthy eating options, etc.
Financial security. Fulfilling jobs pay you a wage or salary that allows you to feel financially secure and not just able to get by. When you have a job that allows you to save for retirement or have an emergency fund, it relieves stress, and enables you to focus on being your best at home and work. Today, most senior living and long-term care organizations offer 401k plans with an employer’s match. Plus, according to McKnight’s Senior Living, on average employers paid 85.6% of clinical employees’ college education expenses. The industry as a whole is trying to be more creative with perks and benefits.
Interesting assignments. In order to have job fulfillment, it’s absolutely critical that you find your work interesting and not monotonous. You will not only do a better job, but you will look forward to each workday. In senior living, every day is unique and brings new opportunities and scenarios. A job in senior living and care is anything but boring. When your assignment is interesting, your job satisfaction and participation level skyrockets.
Great co-workers. Having colleagues sho respect, support and encourage you can make you feel valued. Building strong working relationships with colleagues offers a sense of community and belonging within the workplace. In senior living and care a solid team is essential. There are a variety of departments that have to function as one unit in order to provide the best care possible for an individual.
Leadership style. Your manager’s leadership style greatly influences job fulfillment. Professionals who feel comfortable approaching their manager and have open lines of communication, feel heard and respected. The servant leadership style found often in the senior living industry creates an environment where everyone matters which leads to greater job satisfaction and more loyalty to the organization.
Julie Rupenski is the founder and CEO of MedBest Recruiting, an executive recruitment firm for senior living and care. After opening its doors in 2001, Rupenski has grown MedBest into an award-winning, multimillion-dollar national firm, garnering impressive awards including INC 5000 2021 and Tampa Bay Fast 50 2021. Rupenski was also named as on honoree for the “Top 100 Women Leaders in Tampa 2022″ by Women We Admire.
