How do we form an impression of any organisation? Public statements and marketing may have an influence, but more likely it is the interactions we have with people that shape our lasting impressions.

An interaction (even a simple information request) that is handled unprofessionally or by somebody who doesn’t seem to care can undermine an entire marketing budget.

An engaged and committed workforce is the best guarantee you can have that potential clients, their families and CQC inspectors will have a positive experience and form a positive impression of your organisation. Instinctively you know this is true, but it is also backed by research. So what makes a committed workforce?

Perceived Organisational Support

To a large extent, the level of commitment is determined by the degree to which employees feel supported and valued by their employer. Studies have shown that ‘perceived organisational support’ has a major influence on how positively people feel about their job and their employer.

This is much more than just telling employees they are valued. Attitudes are shaped by actions rather than words. And attitudes inevitably feed through into behaviour. Absenteeism, motivation, staff turnover and the willingness to work outside of defined job roles are all influenced by how valued employees feel.

Several factors affect whether employees feel valued. Being consulted about change, and involved in the process, is one of the most important. Fair treatment and caring about wellbeing are also highly significant.

Valued Employees

And, of course, there is investment in staff training. Training doesn’t just give people greater skills and confidence, it also reinforces the belief that a care organisation values the individual and supports them to perform to the best of their ability.

Virtually every member of a care team will have to interact with clients, carers and families. It can only help if these employees really understand and live by the values of the organisation and, in turn, feel that their employer really values what they do and how they do it.

Training doesn’t have to mean sending people away to learn in a classroom. Distance and e-learning mean that training can be accommodated into work rosters. The important things are that training is meaningful and good quality.

Benefits of investment in training tend to multiply. It also becomes an investment in your reputation, your customer experience and the future of the organisation. Find out more about our training packages here.