The need for more people in direct care jobs continues to grow, and Gen Z, which in mid-2024 made of 18% of the workforce, can help meet that need. Upskilling and reskilling programs, which are a priority for Gen Z, will both attract and retain top talent from this generation. Digital-first assisted living classes, like courses offered by Senior Living U, can also support Gen Z’s desire for flexible work, which otherwise can be challenging in the world of hands-on, 24/7, direct care.

Assisted living communities that offer the best care for residents will need to tap into the potential Gen Z presents. This is the case for incorporating digital learning and training tools to do just that.

The need for more direct care workers is clear

Administrators of assisted living communities know all too well the challenges of keeping the direct care team fully staffed. Workforce shortages fueled by high turnover rates (as much as 42.1% on average in 2022 according to this article in McNight’s Senior Living) continue. There’s an increased demand for care as the population in the U.S. ages. The 2024 research report by PHI, an authority on the direct care workforce, states that “over the past decade, the direct care workforce has expanded dramatically, growing from 3.5 million workers in 2014 to over 5 million in 2023.”

The good news is that assisted living communities already have an advantage when it comes to meeting this growing need. Gen Z workers value an organization that has a mission and vision that aligns with their own, plus they want to feel like their job truly contributes in a “big picture” way. Direct care jobs at senior living communities match Gen Z’s desires. Add this to training programs and assisted living classes that appeal to this tech-savvy generation – which has never known a world without the internet – and building a solid direct care team is well within reach.

Skills based hiring plus assisted living classes for upskilling and reskilling appeal to Gen Z

Key to both attracting and retaining a Gen Z workforce is skills-based hiring, and upskilling and re-skilling programs offered by the employer. Gen Z has gone through a lot of transition, and their work experiences show it. From a global pandemic interrupting their education – the same pandemic led to a depletion of direct care staff – to the rise of AI and a world of rapidly changing technologies, there will be noticeable differences in the Gen Z career path. This is an opportunity for administrators to hire based on skills and certifications, rather than formal education.

Once Gen Z is part of the team, offering digital assisted living classes will keep them engaged, improve their skills set and, ultimately, help improve the care that residents receive. Digital classes, like Senior Living U’s recently refreshed and updated Anytime Learning portal, are important because Gen Z is not just tech savvy but very video focused. According to this article by Screen Media, they gravitate to free content found on YouTube and TikTok. If assisted living communities adjust to this reality and offer video-based assisted living classes, administrators will demonstrate that they are meeting the preferences of Gen Z, which could help retain these notorious job hoppers.

Another advantage of offering assisted living classes like those found on the Anytime Learning portal is flexibility. This article in “Forbes” states that Gen Z rates skill development just behind work-life balance – and having a job they are passionate about. Direct care is certainly a job people are passionate about. Digitally based training offers some work/life balance because staff can learn at their own pace, during their shift or remotely.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033.” The report continues, stating that on average, about 1.9 million openings are projected each year in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.

If assisted living communities are going to keep up with the growth, attracting, training, and retaining Gen Z employees will be crucial. Offering digitally based assisted living classes is one way to do that.

Experts in digital assisted living classes for direct care staff in assisted living communities

Designed by senior living experts, SeniorLivingU provides convenient education tools for all levels of retirement community staff. Our products cover a wide range of topics in formats designed to meet your needs including manuals, DVDs, and online learning through the Anytime Learning Portal.

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