The beginning of each new year reminds us to slow down and think about what can be improved. This same is true for businesses – especially those in the healthcare industry, which has been hit so hard over this past year. Senior care facilities are likely to still be impacted by the coronavirus for the foreseeable future.
When you are in the middle of an ongoing global crisis, it can be hard to back away and see the big picture. However, it is still a good idea to get a sense of where your time and energy should be focused on moving forward. This also helps you take control over what you can in an otherwise uncertain situation.
To help direct your attention (and perhaps decrease your anxiety), try thinking about what opportunities you have to improve three areas of your business: your brand, your clients, your employees.
Your brand
At some point you have probably had a discussion of your company’s voice and values – if you have not, this is an important exercise that can help your senior care facility maintain a consistent image and help develop relationships with clients/patients. The beginning of the year is a good time to check in on your brand. Are your values still shining through your communications? Is your imaging consistent throughout both your online and your offline sites?
Your clients
Think about your business from the clients’ perspective. Seniors have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus and will continue to be. Are there additional precautions that you could be taking? How about ways where you can help make them more comfortable – perhaps better connecting to friends and family who they likely have not been able to meet with for a while. How can you distribute personnel and resources to better meet their needs?
Your employees
Chances are, after this past year, your team members are probably pretty burnt out. And while it will likely continue to be stressful until there is a vaccine for the virus, think whether there are some ways where you can start to alleviate some of this stress. For example, are there any particular projects or workstreams that employees are excited about? Are there ways that they can continue to grow and build their skills while the industry navigates this global pandemic?
When strategizing each of these business areas, it would be helpful to solicit the feedback of your employees. Not only do they have a different relationship with your clients/patients (and therefore a different perspective), but this will help reinforce an open line of communication as you enter the new year.
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