CareNotes

9 Attributes of a Fulfilling Job

This is a guest article by Julie Rupenski, the founder, president, and CEO of MedBest, an OHCA business partner.

In any industry especially in senior living, employees spend a lot of time at their jobs, so they should find fulfillment in their work, not just a paycheck!

The definition of a fulfilling job is a role that enables employees to apply their talents, interests, and values in a supportive environment while also meeting financial and personal needs. In addition, it’s also a position that allows employees to see the results of their hard work.

Here are the nine core attributes that make a job truly fulfilling:

1. Engagement – When the work is interesting, it’s easier to get more invested and engaged. A role that can draw folks in makes them feel more fulfilled and provides a greater sense of job satisfaction. In addition, they will probably be more enthusiastic, committed, and energized. Argentum’s survey of over 20,000 employees at senior living communities confirms that with higher employee engagement, workers want to stay and in turn, communities have lower employee turnover, higher occupancy rates, and increased resident satisfaction.
2. Career Path – A career development path that provides an opportunity to enhance skills and knowledge can lead to the mastery of best practices in a current role as well as future promotions and transfers that may lead to a new or different position or location. The senior living industry offers life-long career opportunities and advancement. Communities help staff members advance their careers within assisted living, continuing care retirement communities, life plan communities, skilled nursing, memory care, and home care. Plus, it’s filled with a variety of positions for almost any career path, from nursing to accounting, sales, culinary, etc.
3. Purpose – The “why,” and finding a place in the world and workplace. According to LinkedIn, 70% of today’s employees see their sense of purpose as being defined by the work that they do. In other words, people gain fulfillment by doing work that’s meaningful to them. For example, in senior living, a job could positively impact the older population. It’s not a sector where people just show up and get a paycheck; it’s where they can truly make a difference every day.
4. Recognition – Recognition from leadership helps employees see their work is valued and appreciated. Public recognition in senior living could be Employee of the Month, Star of the Community, Going Above & Beyond award, etc. Being publicly recognized and honored enables them to feel goodwill towards their organization or community and helps them develop a greater attachment to their role.
5. Healthy Workplace & Culture – A fulfilling job largely depends on an organization that offers a healthy workplace. When employees feel cared for, they’re apt to give back and be more invested. Plus, it improves morale. They probably feel pretty good about working for an organization that offers resources to successfully complete their assignments while also caring for their well-being. For senior living, given the nature of many senior care roles, staff health is particularly important. Fortunately, there are many ways that senior care organizations have supported staff health including generous PTO, gym memberships, wellness programs that include physical and mental health, and offer healthy eating options, etc.
6. Financial Security – Fulfilling jobs pay a wage or salary that allows employees to feel financially secure and not just able to get by. When they have a job that allows them to save for retirement or have an emergency fund, it relieves stress and enables them to focus on being their best at home and work. Today, most senior living and long term care organizations offer 401k plans with an employer’s match. Plus, according to McKnight’s Senior Living News, on average employers paid 85.6% of clinical employees’ college education expenses. The industry as a whole is trying to be more creative with perks and benefits.
7. Interesting Assignments – In order to have job fulfillment, it’s absolutely critical that you find their work interesting and not monotonous. Employees will not only do a better job, but they will look forward to each workday. In senior living, every day is unique and brings new opportunities and scenarios.  A job in senior living is anything but boring. When their assignment is interesting, their job satisfaction and participation level skyrocket.
8. Great Co-Workers – Having colleagues who respect, support, and encourage each other can make them feel valued. Building strong working relationships with colleagues offers a sense of community and belonging within the workplace. In senior living a solid team is essential. There are a variety of departments that have to function as one unit in order to provide the best care possible for an individual.
9. Leadership Style – A manager’s leadership style greatly influences job fulfillment. Professionals who feel comfortable approaching their manager and have open lines of communication, feel heard and respected. The servant leadership style found often in the senior living industry creates an environment where everyone matters which leads to greater job satisfaction and more loyalty to the organization.