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Creating a retention committee that works: A guide for senior living leaders
In senior living, teams are the heart of everything. Retaining dedicated staff requires more than offering competitive pay; it requires a culture rooted in respect, recognition, and meaningful connection.
Research consistently shows that when employees feel appreciated and included, they’re far more likely to stay. In fact, SHRM’s State of the Workplace Study 2023–2024 found that organizations that prioritize empathy, recognition, and open communication are significantly more successful at retaining talent.1
For senior living communities, this isn’t just a workforce strategy; it’s a care strategy. Retaining experienced, compassionate staff helps preserve the continuity and quality of care our residents depend on.
What is a retention committee?
A Retention Committee is a group of team members from various departments who come together regularly to brainstorm, plan, and implement initiatives that make your community a better place to work. It’s about listening, celebrating, and improving—together.
These committees give staff a voice, foster a sense of ownership, celebrate contributions and identify opportunities for meaningful change. They offer a practical, people-centered approach to building a culture where employees feel valued and heard. is a practical, people-centered way to build that kind of culture. By bringing together voices from across departments and shifts, these committees help foster a sense of ownership, celebrate contributions, and identify opportunities for meaningful change.
Tips for getting started
- Invite a diverse group: Include team members from different roles and shifts to ensure a wide range of perspectives.
- Meet regularly: Monthly meetings work well. Keep them short, focused, and fun.
- Create a budget: Even a small fund can support events, appreciation gifts or team-building activities.
- Celebrate wins: Share the committee’s successes with the whole team to build momentum.
Ideas a retention committee can explore
Plan fun and engaging activities
- Games and contests: Spin-the-wheel prizes, Plinko boards, yard games, trivia challenges.
- Themed days: Pajama Day, Crazy Hat Day, or Spirit Week.
- Food fun: Celebrate National Donut Day, Taco Tuesdays, or surprise snack carts.
Celebrate milestones and special moments
- Birthdays: Small tokens like ice cream vouchers or a handwritten card go a long way.
- Work anniversaries: Thoughtful gifts for work anniversary milestones, chosen with input from the committee to ensure they’re meaningful.
- Shout-outs: Monthly recognition boards or newsletters highlighting team achievements.
- Employee of the Month: This committee can nominate and vote on honorees to spotlight those who go above and beyond.
Create a safe space for feedback
- Encourage open dialogue about what’s working and what’s not.
- Use anonymous suggestion boxes or digital surveys to gather honest input.
- Empower the committee to bring concerns to leadership and help co-create solutions.
Retention isn’t just an HR goal—it’s a community effort. By empowering staff to shape their own work environment, senior living communities can foster a culture of belonging, appreciation, and joy. And that’s something worth staying for.
[1] https://www.shrm.org/content/dam/en/shrm/research/2023-2024-State-of-the-Workplace-Report.pdf
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