Who cares for the team when the company does not invest?

We are delighted to bring this piece from Lucy Buxton , LJB Coach Consultancy and LJB Young Peoples coaching.

Have you ever taken the time to really think about why people set up care businesses? I mean really think about it…

Didn’t take long did it!

The answer- To make money or to care. Sometimes it is both.

Yet what I’ve found in my over 34 years in and around social care and health is that fundamentally there is little money and care for the team employed. Now, before you all decide to stop reading or start telling me I’m wrong, hear me out.

Care businesses are driven by a couple of things- care outcomes (or the way those outcomes are perceived) and a profit and loss sheet. It really is that simple.

So today I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind lately—who really looks after the team when the company falls short on investment in them?

We’ve all seen it. Teams working tirelessly, often without the support and resources they need to thrive. It’s a tough spot to be in, and unfortunately, it can lead to some serious challenges.

The Impact of Lack of Investment

When companies don’t invest in their people, the effects can be far-reaching:

• Burnout: The constant pressure to do more with less can lead to exhaustion and burnout. It’s not just about feeling tired—it’s about the mental and emotional toll that builds up over time. This then leads to high levels of sickness which leads to my next point.
• Poor Retention: When employees feel unsupported, it’s only a matter of time before they start looking for opportunities elsewhere. High turnover isn’t just frustrating—it’s costly and disruptive. Its a downward spiral until a business chooses for it not to be.
• Reduced Morale: A lack of investment can lead to a decline in team spirit and motivation. It’s hard to stay engaged and enthusiastic when you’re not getting the support you need and yes, you’ve guessed it, this then leads to my previous point of low retention.

I could quote statistics, yet you only need to look at your own business or social care as a whole to see them.

The Benefits of Investing in Your Team

Now, let’s flip the script and talk about the benefits of investment. Investing in your team isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also incredibly beneficial, both for your people and your bottom line and 100% beneficial to the people the business supports.

• Enhanced Well-being: Providing support and resources helps your team feel valued and cared for. This can reduce burnout and improve overall well-being, making your workplace a more positive and productive environment.
• Increased Retention: When people feel supported and valued, they’re more likely to stay and grow with the company. This means lower turnover and a more experienced, cohesive team.
• Higher Productivity: Investment in training and development boosts skills and confidence, leading to better performance and higher productivity. It’s a win-win!

A Different Approach: Improving Financial Outcomes

Here’s something to consider: adopting a different approach to how you invest in your team can also have a profound impact on your financials. When you prioritize support and development, you’re not just enhancing employee satisfaction—you’re improving your bottom line and we know the bottom line is ultimately the deciding factor on many businesses in social care.

• Reduced Costs of Turnover: High turnover comes with significant costs—recruitment, training, and lost productivity. By investing in your team, you reduce these costs and maintain a stable, skilled workforce.
• Increased Efficiency: Well-trained and motivated employees work more efficiently and make fewer mistakes. This directly translates into cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
• Enhanced Reputation: Companies known for investing in their employees attract top talent and build a strong, positive reputation. This can lead to better business opportunities and increased profitability.

How Coaching Can Make a Huge Difference

One of the most effective ways to invest in your team is through coaching. Here’s why:

• Personalized Support: Coaching provides tailored support that addresses individual needs and challenges, helping team members develop and grow in their roles.
• Skill Development: It’s not just about immediate solutions—it’s about building long-term skills and confidence that can drive ongoing success.
• Increased Engagement: Investing in coaching shows your team that you’re committed to their development. This can significantly boost morale and engagement, creating a more motivated and dedicated workforce.

Now I’m not saying to you have to invest in an external coach. You could just implement coaching principles in the daily practice across the business. Just making this small shift can make a huge difference to all of the people involved with the business in one way or another yet working with an external coach takes your games to a whole other level!

In short, investing in your team isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for a thriving, successful organization. The positive impact on morale, retention, productivity, and financial outcomes is well worth the investment.

If you’re interested in exploring how coaching can benefit your team and help you build a more supportive and effective work environment, I’d love to chat. Let’s work together to make a difference!

Just before I finish, I want you to think about one thing you can do today which will directly influence your future reality in care, whether that be to improve the bottom line or the experience someone else has and then allow yourself a moment to think about how the outcome would feel. Great!! How amazing does that feel!! Good I bet.

If one person reading this takes that next step to change that one thing, imagine how many people will be positively impacted. Its not hard to invest in others, sometimes you just have to want too enough.

Looking forward to connecting with you,

?

Best wishes,

Lucy

About the author:

I’m Lucy, owner of LJB Coach Consultancy and LJB Young Peoples coaching. I businesses and individuals achieve success against the odds.

www.ljbcoachconsultancy.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn? https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/lucy-buxton-15847544/

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