Over the past five years, culinary leaders in community settings have been pressured to increase staffing, reduce burnout, improve hiring practices, comply with health and safety standards, and more. You name it—it’s probably changed since COVID-19 altered how kitchens operate, especially in senior living.
Now, in a world where many senior living staff are also burnt out from taking on new responsibilities (some outside of their experience and comfort zone) to get the job done, people who genuinely care about their work are looking for new, more effective workplaces. Dysfunction in a kitchen environment isn’t something anyone should have to tolerate, so making your food management services as healthy and productive as possible should be at the top of your to-do list.
That’s where a people-first approach comes into play. In this blog, we’ll explain what this means and what it looks like in a senior living community setting.
What is a people-first approach?
A people-first approach in long-term care communities or residential behavioral health centers prioritizes the well-being and needs of individuals receiving care, their families, and the staff who work with them. It recognizes that each person is unique and deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.
Why does it matter?
Prioritizing people isn’t just a feel-good thing; it creates a workplace where everyone feels valued and motivated to do their best. It’s about recognizing that employees aren’t just robots, but individuals with unique needs and goals. When companies focus on their well-being and growth, they build loyalty and commitment, leading to happier employees and less turnover. Plus, when people feel heard and appreciated, they’re more likely to collaborate, share ideas, and go the extra mile. Putting people first isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a move that leads to long-term success.
How to spot a person-first employer compared to system-first organizations
Employers who invest time and energy into their employees often stand out from others for candidates in a job search. Here are a few suggestions on some common qualities you can incorporate into your community’s organization, company culture, and policy.
A people-first attitude starts during the hiring process
Building a people-first culture starts from the very beginning – the hiring process. When you prioritize candidates who show empathy (the ability to understand and share the feelings of others), compassion, teamwork, and effective communication, you’re setting the stage for a strong, supportive team.
Look for genuinely passionate people who embody your organization’s mission and values. Ask yourself:
- Do they align with our people-first philosophy?
- Do they have experience working in a community setting?
- Are they willing to invest time and energy into making the kitchen a welcoming, joyful, and communal space for residents?
You can support the answers to these questions by getting a better sense of who they are through in-depth interviews and reference checks. This will give you more insight into their character and work ethic.
Once you’ve hired the right people, show them they’re valued by offering competitive salaries and benefits and opportunities for growth and development. A warm and inclusive onboarding experience and a positive work environment will reinforce your commitment to your people’s success.
Transparency is key
Being open and honest is key to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. When everyone is on the same page, knowing what’s expected of them and the goals, working together as a team is easier.
Even conflicts can be turned into opportunities for growth and trust-building as long as you approach them constructively. Sharing feedback, both the good and the not-so-good, from conflicts or everyday challenges also helps everyone learn and grow. When leaders share their knowledge and expertise, it creates a culture of collaboration. Being upfront about challenges also encourages teamwork and accountability. The more you can encourage your team to make decisions and face challenges as a unit, the more effective your kitchen will be.
Don’t be afraid to share your own positive and negative experiences, too. Sometimes, transparent leadership involves more than just sharing information; showing your team that you’re a real person also helps to build trust and improve morale.
Therefore, transparency in decision-making earns respect and helps your team understand the reasoning behind choices. This openness also helps your kitchen staff build stronger relationships with residents, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
Systems based on equality
A great workplace is built on fairness and equality, where everyone is treated with the same respect and dignity. This, in turn, creates a ripple effect that benefits not only employees but also residents, families, and the community as a whole. It builds upon the open workplace culture you create through transparent leadership.
You can create an equal and equitable workplace system for your kitchen staff by:
- Providing the same pay for the same job and offering everyone equal opportunities for learning and growth ensures a level playing field.
- Supplying everyone with the same resources and support allows all employees to perform to their highest potential.
- Promoting inclusion by ensuring leadership represents all employees.
- Creating a positive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
- Encouraging teamwork and innovation by valuing all ideas and opinions.
- Preventing burnout and promoting a healthy work-life balance by ensuring a balanced workload for everyone.
- Boosting morale by recognizing everyone’s achievements.
Start putting your people first with Culinary Services Group
At Culinary Services Group, we recognize that running a functional, efficient, and supportive kitchen starts with people. Because of this, we weave person-centered care into everything we do – from person-centered dining plans that create liberalized diets for residents to people-first, inclusive hiring practices. Our blend of strategy and personalization allows us to support you and your team. If you’re interested in learning more about how we help long-term care communities and other residential healthcare organizations with staffing and nutrition, schedule a meeting with one of our sales team experts today!
