Having a 121 with your Carers/PA

 

One of the most difficult parts of running your own care staff is trying to ensure a balanced working environment. 

I for one am too soft, I know it and my staff know it. That is not to say that I will not clamp down if the work is not being done or my needs are not being met. I do allow a lot of flexibility, it is just how I like things to be. I am trying to concentrate on creating a home environment rather than a work place (with charts and files all over the place). 

I do talk to my staff and ask about their welfare regularly, training links and other reminders are sent to the team via our WhatsApp group.

Regardless, there is a need to document and make sure that everything is working well and that there are not problems brewing. This will also help ensure that you have evidence to show that matters have been discussed in order to progress things further. Trust me it helps. One of the ways I do this is planning a 121 meeting ideally every six months or at the least yearly. I have even done it monthly for a bit but it got repetitive and became a tick boxing exercise so we retired it. 

A 121 is a formalised sit down session it does not need to take long, but it gives the opportunity for straight talking, discussions and an opportunity to plan long term in a number of areas. 

Here is a list of general questions I use, you may find others more relevant or appropriate. These just give me a reminder of the broad items I need to consider. Time is booked in on a shift day (budgets should allow meeting/training/appraisal times) and the carer will know in advance a couple of weeks before. The questions are even sent to them to give them some time to thing of issues or relevant matters. 

Example of my one to one form:

Name:

Date:

1. What do you currently like about the job you do?

2. What do you currently not like about the job you do? How can we make this better?

3. Is there anything that causes you any issues (at work or at home/personally) that you feel I need to know which may cause you difficulties in doing your job?

4. Is there anything we could do to improve your time at work?

5. How do you think your job compares with the role requirements highlighted within your contract/job description?

6. Are you aware of all the jobs that need doing on a regular basis? (show them the jobs) 

7.Is there anything you think that you could do better/ or any areas of improvement, when looking the role requirements highlighted within your contract/job?

8. If so, is there anything I could do to help you meet the role requirements highlighted within your contract/job description?

9. Are you happy with your Health and Safety at work?

10. Are you fully aware of the cleaning duties and your hygiene requirements for the job?

11. Is there any specific role related training that you feel you require? Or would like to do to help your own development? (mention that for related jobs funding may be supplied by the employer)

12. You are aware that as part of your contracted role you are required to carry out all duties including driving  and additional shifts including morning and evening shifts (obviously driving does not apply if you are not contracted for such).

Statement read to all staff:

In order for you to keep up your training, each member of staff must volunteer to cover all shift types (morning, afternoon and evening). Therefore, it is imperative that when a shift comes up that you do not normally do it is your responsibility to put your self forward to maintain that training. 

If you do not then Iggy (employer) will nominate you next time it comes up. Do you accept these terms? (Unless you have a very specific urgent reason for not dong so) Going shopping is not a sufficient reason. 

Plan for the month (Improvements or changes) 

Actions for me:

Actions for carer:

Reminders:

Shopping lists (keep lists updated)

Cleaning rota:

Any training suggestions?

Anything further comments?

Review on:

The entire process is done on a message pad on my phone with the answers filled in whilst talking. A copy is sent to them afterwards by email and a record is kept in the employees online records.