Combatting Workforce Issues in the Long Term Care Community

Workforce shortages in the long-term care industry require a shift from simple market pay adjustments to comprehensive strategies that expand the talent pipeline and foster a supportive culture. Christopher Schmidt, President and CEO of Schmidt Wallace Healthcare, emphasizes a "grow your own" philosophy, where organizations invest in training staff from entry-level roles like certified nursing assistants up to leadership positions. Effective recruitment demands immediate, multi-channel engagement, while retention relies on building a positive environment through consistent, intentional staff appreciation efforts—such as the memorable "National Pickle Day" initiative—and clear, structured career ladders. By integrating these human-centric practices with formal quality improvement frameworks, facilities can better navigate staffing crises and improve overall care standards. This approach transforms the workplace into a mission-driven environment where employees feel valued and empowered to advance professionally within the organization.