Should I pay my caregivers for time spent on training if I'm not legally required to?
Short answer: Yes.
Here’s why:
#1: You want caregivers to take training seriously.
Caregiver training is not just checking a box for compliance purposes—it’s critical skill building. You want to ensure that you’re fulfilling your company's promise to provide the highest quality care. And that means employing caregivers who are trained and qualified in the skills and knowledge to provide that care. By paying for training, you are setting the expectation that caregivers will give training their full attention and do their best work—just as you expect when they’re working in a client’s home.
#2: You’re competing for employees.
With steep competition from other agencies, as well as other industries such as retail and restaurants, it’s often a struggle for home care agencies to keep candidates engaged through the onboarding process—never mind in the field! Advertising paid training in your job posting opens the doors to a wider pool of candidates and gets them engaged faster.
#3: You want to keep caregivers longer.
Once caregivers pass their initial training, boost employee retention by offering pay for their time taking advanced certifications and upskilling courses. In a survey of 1,500 caregivers, 85% said they’re more likely to stay with their current employer if offered resources to further their education. By offering caregivers financial incentives to deepen their knowledge, you increase their commitment—both to their work and to your agency.