Senior Living Operators Turn Focus to Overtime in Search of Lower Staffing Costs

Senior living operators in 2024 are prioritizing ways to reduce labor expenses, with a particular emphasis on cutting down on agency staffing and overtime costs. This shift in focus is seen as a key strategy in the ongoing effort to improve margins, especially as certain community-level positions remain challenging to fill. Despite these obstacles, operators are optimistic about the potential for growth and the opportunity to attract and retain top talent in the industry. By investing in employee retention, recruitment, and increased wages, operators like Discovery Senior Living, Priority Life Care, and 12 Oaks Senior Living are making progress in reducing reliance on agency staffing and addressing the issue of overtime expenses. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to create a more sustainable and efficient workforce in the senior living industry. By focusing on employee retention and development, operators are working to cultivate a strong talent pool and ensure the long-term success of their communities.