Study links leadership training to retention in corrections
Corrections faces some of the highest turnover in any industry, with rates up to 97% when it comes to health care positions.¹ Recently, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) published an article encouraging facilities to invest in leadership development to support retention. The recommendation was based on a Capella University improvement project that linked leadership training to improved employee satisfaction. The project identified that the consensus among correctional professionals is clear: weak leadership contributes to burnout and turnover.
Train soft skills
Leaders avoid solving problems when they don’t know how to approach an issue. Without a strong foundation of soft skills, like conflict-resolution and emotional intelligence, leaders are set up to fail. But these skills are generally missed in annual training programs. Embedding soft skills in annual programs and providing refreshers in areas like critical thinking and problem solving can prepare leaders for their role. A hallmark of a good leader is a person who can take accountability and have difficult conversations. Set leadership up for success and train soft skills.
Link manager evaluations to training participation
To make training a priority, there needs to be accountability. For example, leaders who are behind on training should not receive full marks on evaluations. Track training compliance and require participation. By including leadership training in annual training programs, facilities can make sure that leaders are up to date on training requirements. Online training completion can be tracked via a learning management system (LMS), or attendance can be logged at in-person events. Track training progress and link manager evaluations to training participation.
For more information, please contact training@sparktraining.us.
1. Pomeroy, A. (2023). Want to fix prison healthcare? Address high turnover rates. Libertas Institute. https://libertas.institute/justice-and-due-process/want-to-fix-prison-healthcare-address-high-turnover-rates/
Disclaimer
All materials have been prepared for general information purposes only. The information presented should be treated as guidelines, not rules. The information presented is not intended to establish a standard of medical care and is not a substitute for common sense. The information presented is not legal advice, is not to be acted on as such, may not be current, and is subject to change without notice. Each situation should be addressed on a case-by-case basis. When in doubt, send them out!®
