An emerging generation in the workforce means emerging trends in the way caregivers and CNAs go about finding caregiver jobs.
Generation Y, the newest member to the caregiver workforce, is more likely than previous Generation X and Baby Boomers to be underemployed or unemployed. In fact, this is a key driver behind many peopling turning to the profession.
“People stay in the profession for reasons beyond a paycheck,” says Brandi Kurtyka, Chief Marketing Officer of myCNAjobs, a caregiver and CNA recruitment vehicle connecting caregivers to caregiver and CNA jobs. “However, many people enter the profession because it’s an attractive alternative to other types of service jobs.”
Hours spent searching for jobs average between 5 and 20 hours per week according to a recent study. Further, all generations report more time online.
Here are the key differences in how caregivers and C.N.A.s find jobs today:
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Generation Y is a team of optimists. And part of the optimism is grounded in the fact that according to one study, Generation Y is finding work faster than older generations. Gen Y’ers are also quick to jump into investing in education. There’s a major up tick in caregivers that choose to get caregiver certification, attend CNA school, and even become an RN. This generation spends most of their time applying for caregiver jobs online – with a major share of time now accounted for by mobile technologies - and interacting with companies on social channels. Caregiver turn over tends to be very high among this cohort.
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Generation X values more job security and tends to stick around a job longer than younger generations. This generation also tends to be highly motivated by flexibility, which is a distinct advantages of a caregiver and CNA job. They tend to gravitate towards caregiving positions offering the most option for a flexible work/life balance.
- Baby Boomers spend more time online searching for jobs than Gen Y’ers! This generation thoroughly researches jobs, companies, and people before each and every interview. A recent retiree walking in for a caregiver interview is more likely to have prepared well than a younger generation.
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