We need more than plasters for our care sector

The UK care sector stands at a critical crossroads. Chronic underfunding and systemic challenges have precipitated a workforce crisis, impacting both care providers and the vulnerable individuals they serve. High staff turnover, safety concerns, and operational inefficiencies are now endemic, severely hindering the sector’s ability to deliver quality care. This article explores the core issues plaguing the sector and highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions that prioritise employee wellbeing and drive operational improvements.

What are the four major issues facing the sector?

1. A workforce in crisis
   The sector is grappling with high staff turnover, recruitment difficulties, and rising absenteeism. Low pay, stressful working conditions, and a lack of adequate support are contributing to burnout and attrition, leaving care providers struggling to maintain essential staffing levels, leading to a reliance on costly agency staffing. As Lucy Campbell, CEO at Right at Home UK, highlights, the sector faces “systemic issues, including underfunding, a lack of integration between health and social care, inadequate support for unpaid carers, and a failure to value the workforce.”
2. Ongoing safety and wellbeing concerns
   Working in vulnerable environments, particularly for female staff, presents significant safety risks. In fact, half of the social care workforce reports experiencing violence or bullying at work and 1/3 plan to leave. The demanding nature of care work, coupled with emotional strain and exposure to challenging situations, negatively impacts employee mental and physical wellbeing. Traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) often fall short in addressing these specific needs.
3. Increasing operational inefficiency
   Resource allocation challenges, complex compliance requirements, and a lack of integrated systems lead to operational inefficiencies, impacting profitability and hindering the delivery of quality care. Care homes frequently operate on balanced scorecards, underscoring the need for solutions that positively impact financial, operational, and people metrics. Despite advances seen across the sector, technology adoption is not uniform and many providers still operate with completely paper-based systems. 
4. Mounting financial pressures
   The financial strain on the sector is immense. As Campbell also points out, there’s a staggering £1.9 billion annual deficit in social care funding, with 2.6 million people awaiting critical care packages. Alarmingly, 22% of social care businesses are considering closure due to impending financial pressures. This dire situation is further exacerbated by the need for fair pricing, with the Homecare Association calculating the true cost of care at £32.14 per hour.

Facing a stark reality, the British care sector urgently needs solutions to its systemic challenges.

It’s easy to view social care as a separate entity, serving a specific segment of the population. However, the reality is that the care sector’s impact extends far beyond its immediate recipients, affecting every one of us. As Lucy Campbell, CEO at Right at Home UK, states, “Social care is not only central to the wellbeing of individuals – keeping people safe and well – but it also plays a crucial role in alleviating pressures on the NHS.” This underscores the critical interdependence between social care and the National Health Service.

A well-funded and supported social care system offers numerous benefits. It reduces the burden on the NHS by preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and freeing up vital resources for acute medical needs. It enables family members to remain in employment, contributing to a robust economy and a healthier, more productive workforce. Furthermore, it supports individuals to live fulfilling lives within their communities, enhancing their quality of life and reducing pressure on families. Investing in social care demonstrates a commitment to vulnerable individuals, promoting a culture of empathy and support.

However, the current situation presents a different picture. Failing to address the challenges within social care has significant consequences. Inadequate social care support can lead to hospital admissions for non-medical reasons, exacerbating waiting times and placing undue pressure on an already stretched NHS. The lack of adequate care may necessitate family members leaving the workforce to provide support, resulting in a loss of skills and productivity that impacts businesses and the national economy. Individuals without proper care may experience a decline in physical and mental health, leading to isolation and reduced independence. Furthermore, the lack of sufficient social care provision places significant strain on families, communities, and the voluntary sector.

The care sector is not an isolated entity; it is fundamental to a healthy and thriving society. Investing in social care is not merely about supporting those in need; it’s an investment in a better future for everyone.

Recognising the immense pressures they face, leading organisations like McDonald’s, PwC, EY, Bupa, and Allianz partner with Sonder. They understand that supporting their people is not just the right thing to do, it’s a strategic driver of business success.

These organisations sought a partner who truly understands the challenges their employees face. They needed more than just reactive support; they required a comprehensive, integrated solution that addresses safety, medical needs, and mental health, available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Sonder tailors its approach to the unique realities of frontline workforces, especially those in the UK care sector. We see the demanding nature of their roles and the delicate balance they maintain. Our platform provides a compassionate and reliable resource, offering tech-enabled, human-led support. We build trust through accessible safety features, everyday medical care, and family support, encouraging early intervention and proactive wellbeing management.

This holistic approach fosters a supportive culture, delivering these crucial benefits:

Retain valued staff
By prioritising wellbeing, Sonder helps reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction, keeping your experienced team members.

Reduce absenteeism and boost productivity
Early intervention and proactive support help address health concerns, ensuring your workforce is available and engaged.

Enhance operational efficiency and manage costs
Integrated solutions streamline processes and optimise resource allocation, improving efficiency and delivering cost savings.

Elevate care quality and protect your reputation
A supported and engaged workforce delivers exceptional care, building trust and strengthening your organisation’s reputation.

Gain actionable insights
Sonder provides valuable data on workforce wellbeing trends, empowering you to make informed decisions and personalise your support programs.

The British care sector faces undeniable challenges, with consequences that extend far beyond its immediate recipients. However, this crisis also presents an opportunity. By prioritising the wellbeing of care professionals, we can build a more sustainable and compassionate system for all. Investing in their physical and mental health is not just compassionate; it’s strategic. A supported workforce is more engaged, productive, and resilient, delivering the high-quality care individuals deserve.

By embracing holistic wellbeing solutions and prioritising the people at the heart of care, we can create a brighter future for the sector and society as a whole. 

Sonder is committed to partnering with care providers to achieve this vision.