How to improve company culture in a care home

Company culture is not just a buzzword; it’s the personality and character of your organisation. Positive company culture specifically takes time and effort to build and maintain and, in a care home, it is extremely important for both staff and service users as it directly impacts the quality of care.

In order to make sure your facility is creating a positive environment, here’s what it means, why it’s important, and how to improve company culture in a care home.

What does a positive culture mean in care homes? 

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) takes company culture into consideration with their inspection framework. In order to grant a positive rating, the characteristics they are looking for are compassion, inclusivity, and supportive.

• ‍Compassion – Demonstrating respect and applying a person-centred approach that prioritises overall wellbeing.
• ‍Inclusivity – Ensuring every individual has a sense of belonging and feels valued irrespective of their background, identity or circumstance.‍
• Supportive – Encouraging a collaborative workplace where everyone works together, provides support and takes shared responsibility for care delivery.

These characteristics must be shown by the care staff, so both team members and service users feel respected, valued and supported. By displaying these qualities, you will be showing the CQC that your organisation is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

Benefits of a positive company culture in care homes

The main benefit of a positive company culture in care homes is the positive impact on the quality of care delivered to service users.

It all starts with your care staff because if they are surrounded by a positive culture, they will be more engaged which leads to greater job satisfaction. More engagement results in more motivation and commitment to deliver person-centred care, therefore making sure that your service users are receiving the best care and support. Plus, this means more longevity among your team so this care is consistently delivered.

As well as retaining your current workforce with a positive culture, you will also be attracting staff that showcase the same levels of dedication and determination to delivering high quality of care. Now you know how important it is, let’s take a look at how you can improve the company culture in your care.

7 ways to improve company culture in a care home

Make your environment positive and comfortable

One way in which you can improve the company culture in your care home is by enhancing the physical environment and surroundings. Both your service users and care staff spend a lot of time in the care home, so it’s important that the space correlates with a positive atmosphere.

This means ensuring that the environment is always clean and tidy, as well as comfortable and inviting. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help make sure your facility, its furniture and other frequently used appliances are always in the best condition and adding personalised touches will make the space feel cosy. From plants to soft furnishings, trinkets to artwork, you can create a space that is unique to your organisation and your residents. 

Create strong relationships with staff and service users

Prioritising wellbeing among both staff and service users will make them feel respected, valued and supported. Showing compassion and understanding to every individual will build strong relationships with your team, your service users and between them too. Collaboration between care staff and service users creates a sense of community and shared responsibility, so consider regular social events or workshops to bring both groups together in a relaxed environment.

For staff, it’s important to prioritise a healthy work-life balance including regular breaks during shifts and taking into account preferred shifts. By providing mental health resources and encouraging regular open conversations to address any issues, you are showing compassion and understanding which will be reflected in your overall company culture.

Promote open communication

Open communication is the foundation of any positive workplace culture, and in a care home setting, it is especially important. By encouraging staff to express their opinions, concerns, and suggestions, you can create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration.

Regular team meetings and feedback sessions offer great opportunities for staff to discuss their experiences, share ideas for improvements, and feel heard. Active listening is essential, so acknowledge their input and take action where possible to show that their feedback is valued. Additionally, embracing openness and honesty can be taken a step further by providing staff and residents with ways to give anonymous feedback.

By gathering feedback from both staff and residents, you can gain a clear understanding of how your care home is perceived from both sides. This insight can be used to make informed decisions and improve the overall culture, ensuring that everyone feels like an integral part of the team.

Recognise and celebrate achievements 

One of the most powerful ways to improve company culture is by recognising and celebrating the hard work and achievements of your staff. When team members feel appreciated for their contributions, morale increases, and they are more likely to remain motivated and engaged in their roles.

Celebrating milestones, such as work anniversaries, birthdays, or successful completion of training, nurtures a sense of belonging and appreciation for both employees and residents. Simple gestures like shout-outs in meetings or even small tokens of appreciation can go a long way in boosting staff and service user morale. Recognising accomplishments not only boosts individual staff members but also promotes a positive work environment, where everyone feels their efforts are valued.

Invest in training and development

Continuous professional development (CPD) is crucial for maintaining a positive and engaged workforce. Investing in training shows staff that you care about their growth and development, which in turn leads to improved job satisfaction and commitment to the care home.

Offer regular access to training courses, workshops, and qualifications and create personalised development plans to keep your team equipped with the skills they need to provide high-quality care. Identify areas of growth and opportunities for progression within the organisation and encourage staff to pursue further qualifications and attend conferences to stay updated on best practices and industry standards. This investment

shows your employees that you are genuinely invested in their careers and wellbeing, which in turn promotes loyalty and a positive care home culture.

Involve service users in decision-making

A culture of respect and inclusivity in a care home goes beyond staff — it should also include the service users. Involving residents in decisions that affect their daily lives can foster a sense of ownership and dignity. Regularly engage with them in meetings where they can share their preferences, concerns, and suggestions about their care. This not only empowers residents but also helps create a more personalised approach to care that reflects their needs and desires.

Implementing activities that are tailored to residents’ interests and preferences is also essential for improving their experience and wellbeing. By incorporating residents’ suggestions can help strengthen the bond between them and the care team, contributing to a stronger, more positive culture.

Regularly evaluate and adapt company culture

Improving company culture in a care home is not a one-time effort. A positive culture requires continuous evaluation and adaptation to stay relevant and responsive to the needs of both staff and service users. Regularly gather feedback through surveys, focus groups, or informal discussions to gauge what’s working well and where improvements can be made. It’s important to be open to making changes based on this feedback to continuously enhance the culture of your care home. 

Set clear goals and objectives, so staff understand the standards they are working towards. By regularly revisiting these goals and tracking progress, you can ensure that the care home remains aligned with your desired culture. Sharing progress with your team and asking for further input throughout the year shows your commitment to continuous growth and creates a sense of shared responsibility.

When it comes to making changes in your care home’s company culture, it’s important to plan properly, be flexible and resilient to any sudden changes. The main thing is to include everyone in your mission and regularly communicate your mission and values so they are reinforced and both team members and service users are engaged.

Lead by example by implementing a care management software that helps you save time on administration tasks so you can focus on delivering high-quality care and improving your company culture. Care teams of today expect to be equipped with digital tools to enhance the way they work. By investing in digital tools that your team will love, you are already making a huge step to creating a positive environment. Book a demo today to see Log my Care’s platform for yourself.