In this series of articles exploring how technology can transform the aged care industry, we’ve covered the need for digital evolution, the resident experience, compliance challenges and social care. This time we turn our attention to workforce optimisation and the solutions that Salesforce offers to providers in enhancing efficiency while delivering superior care to residents.
Why Aged Care Needs an Optimised Workforce
The aim of a workforce optimisation strategy is to improve employee efficiency. Normally this is achieved by leveraging data and technology to streamline processes. The end result is the effective management and utilisation of available staff to meet organisational goals. Organisations might also expect increased employee engagement and satisfaction, reduced operational costs and for aged care, improved resident satisfaction.
The Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and its Aged Care Workforce Committee has outlined 6 criteria in the 2024 Professional FrameWork for building ‘a valued, skilled and supported workforce that meets the needs and rights of older people’1:
- Uplifting pay and conditions
- Boosting education and training
- Building leadership capability
- Improving culture
- Building evidence base
- Encouraging innovation
- Improving workforce planning
- Increasing career pathways
It’s clear that the Australian aged care industry has some work to do in this area. A 2018 report shows a +17 percentage point discrepancy for aged care employee engagement and employee enablement outcomes, when compared with the norm across health care2.
The findings of the survey revealed the following 5 opportunities and challenges: trust and confidence in leaders; confidence in strategic direction; development opportunities; employee diversity and inclusion; and retention of under 40s to retain talent for the future.
While these numbers may have improved since the report was delivered, these findings highlight the need for aged care industry employers to keep a close eye on workforce optimisation. Technology like Salesforce can play a part here.
Workforce Optimisation Opportunities Via Salesforce
- Centralised Workforce Management: Salesforce provides a unified platform to manage workforce data, including staff schedules, qualifications, and performance metrics. This centralisation allows managers to make informed decisions, ensuring that the right staff with the right skills are available when and where they are needed (a key aspect of employee enablement).
- Automated Scheduling and Rostering: By leveraging Salesforce’s automation capabilities, aged care providers can streamline scheduling and rostering processes. Automated tools help optimise shift allocation, reduce scheduling conflicts, and ensure adequate staff coverage, ultimately improving operational efficiency and staff satisfaction.
- Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication is essential for workforce optimisation. Salesforce’s collaborative tools, such as Chatter, enable seamless communication among care teams, ensuring that staff are aligned and informed. This fosters a supportive work environment and enhances team collaboration.
- Employee Engagement and Development: Salesforce supports employee engagement through personalised training and development plans. By tracking staff progress and providing targeted resources, Salesforce helps ensure that employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to deliver high-quality care while contributing to their career journey.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Salesforce’s analytics capabilities provide insights into workforce performance, identifying trends and areas for improvement. By analysing data on staff productivity, attendance, and turnover, managers can make data-driven decisions to optimise workforce management and enhance care delivery.
- Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication is essential for workforce optimisation. Salesforce’s collaborative tools, such as Chatter, enable seamless communication among care teams, ensuring that staff are aligned and informed. This fosters a supportive work environment and enhances team collaboration.
Transforming Workforce Management with Salesforce
Workforce optimisation is critical for aged care providers aiming to deliver high-quality, resident-centred care. It contributes to employee retention, provides pathways for development and can increase job satisfaction.
Salesforce offers a comprehensive solution that empowers organisations to streamline workforce management, enhance staff engagement, and improve care delivery. By embracing Salesforce’s capabilities, aged care providers can ensure that their workforce is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of their residents and communities and is seen as an employer of choice in the industry.
Looking to enhance your aged care operations with Salesforce? Contact Richard at [email protected] to explore tailored solutions.
Richard Fleming
Account Executive & Aged Care Solutions Expert
