The senior living industry is growing rapidly—and with that growth comes the pressing challenge of staffing. For many communities, hiring the right people, keeping them engaged, and helping them grow in their roles feels like a never-ending cycle. In today’s competitive labor market, where turnover is high and burnout is real, building a dependable, mission-aligned team can seem impossible.
At 12 Oaks Senior Living, we understand these challenges. That’s why we’ve developed a proven approach that not only helps our communities find the right people—but also equips and retains them through a people-first culture rooted in relationship, purpose, and excellence.
Here’s how we do it.
A People-First Approach That Works
Everything we do at 12 Oaks starts with a people-first culture. From the frontlines of care to the executive suite, we believe that organizations thrive when their teams do. We’ve crafted our culture on genuine relationships, shared values, and a commitment to seeing people grow. When team members feel supported and seen, they stay — and they serve residents with greater energy and care. That’s why every implementation we make prioritizes people while aligning with organizational goals.
Learn more about our relational approach here
Recruiting the Right People During Staffing Challenges
We understand the labor market can be challenging — positions staying open for weeks, constant onboarding cycles, and communities struggling to maintain a consistent workforce to meet the growing demand within senior living. At 12 Oaks, our team has built a centralized recruiting system that streamlines this process. By standardizing our hiring practices across all communities, we ensure that every candidate is screened, interviewed, and selected based on the same set of values and expectations.
This consistency eliminates common pitfalls like misalignment, bias, and operational disconnects. Most importantly, it allows us to hire for culture as much as for skill — ensuring that each new team member is not only qualified, but also a good fit for the community and our mission.
Temporary Support That Keeps Communities Running
We know that sometimes the right hire takes time. That’s why our Solutions Consultants offer flexible staffing support to bridge the gap. Whether you’re facing an unexpected vacancy or searching for the perfect permanent candidate, 12 Oaks can provide skilled professionals on an interim basis to ensure your community continues operating smoothly. This service helps maintain continuity of care, reduces stress on existing staff, and allows leaders the breathing room to make the right long-term decisions without rushing.
Building a Strong Team
Hiring the right people is only the first step. The next challenge is equipping them to thrive. At 12 Oaks, we invest in our team members through robust training programs that are tailored to both their current roles and their future goals. We offer e-learning, remote & in-person coaching, and specialty programs such as IMPACT & Corporate workshops and Trifecta leadership development — each designed to support personal and professional growth. Every team member is seen as a leader in the making, and we build development plans that reflect their potential—not just their job title.
“Great teams ensure that all members, in spite of their individual responsibilities and areas of expertise, are doing whatever they can to help the team accomplish its goals.” -Patrick Lencioni
Creating a Culture That Retains
Creating a culture that retains talent starts with the candidate experience. The first touch of a potential employee reflects our culture by demonstrating that the candidate is respected, known, and matters to us. This early interaction is a glimpse into the environment we intentionally nurture so people feel valued. At 12 Oaks, we honor our team members by creating a culture and employee experience that values growth, promotes from within, and celebrates the unique contributions of each individual.
Our leadership philosophy is simple: we keep people first. This philosophy is guided by our 4 values: Character, Competency, Stewardship, and Servanthood. We know that when employees feel cared for and have something to strive for, they’re more likely to care deeply about the work they do and the residents they serve. That’s why we’re committed to long-term career development, internal promotion opportunities, and mentorship at every level.
This kind of environment doesn’t just retain staff – it inspires them. As team members grow, they open the door for others to grow, too. It creates a ripple effect of opportunity, motivation, and community-wide improvement. By fostering this environment, we not only support our team’s growth but also create lasting benefits for our residents, building a community that thrives day after day.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Staffing
Our mission is to build teams that last. In an industry where turnover can disrupt care and burn out staff, our approach is proactive, sustainable, and deeply relational. We are offering a partnership that supports long-term community success If your senior living community is struggling to hire, equip, or retain the right people, let us help. Our team at 12 Oaks is ready to provide the support, systems, and strategy you need to move forward with confidence.