Creating a KEEPing Culture™ – Winning the Retention Battle in Home Care

I’m honored to be one of the opening speakers at the upcoming Home Care Association of New York State (HCANYS) conference (April 30th) on a topic that affects every one of us in this industry: 

 “Creating a KEEPing Culture – Winning the Retention Battle in Home Care.”   

The numbers are alarming—65-80% of care professionals leave within their first 90 days. But what if we flipped the script? 

Instead of asking “Why are they leaving?”, we start asking “What makes them stay?” 

At Breakaway365, we’ve developed a science-backed approach called the KEEPing Culture™, which not only improves retention but transforms how your entire team—both caregivers and office staff—show up, engage, and grow. 

Here are 5 essential KEEPing Culture principles for creating a culture worth staying for: 

1. Core4 Alignment™ – The Foundation of Retention 

Retention begins with alignment—between your company’s calling (Values + Mission), each team member’s Guiding Truths™ (personal purpose), their Guiding Genius™ (professional strengths), and the responsibilities of their role. This is what we call Core4 Alignment™. 

When all four elements align, you unlock engagement, empowerment, and a commitment from your team to stay for the long term, despite challenges. When even one is off, disengagement and burnout aren’t far behind. 

Want to check your own Core4 Alignment? Breakaway Tip: Take our free online Core4 Alignment Assessment [Link to webform that once filled out, gives them access to the survey link Megan created for our members] to see where you’re at with Core4 Alignment.  

2. Right-Fit Seats – Culture Can’t Fix a Misalignment 

A strong culture alone won’t solve misplacement. If a person is in the wrong role—even if they love your mission—they won’t thrive. That’s why it’s essential to regularly reevaluate roles and ensure each team member is seated where their Guiding Genius (roles they excel at and produce energy) can be maximized. A win win for your company and for them.  

Breakaway Tip: Hold quarterly Right-Fit Seat conversations to keep alignment strong and roles meaningful. 

3. The KEEP Communications Process – Elevate Conversations 

Most leadership conversations unintentionally erode morale by focusing solely on problems. The KEEP Communications Process changes that dynamic, starting with appreciation and ending with purposeful action. 

✅ Know what’s working first, then what’s not working ✅ Envision what’s possible ✅ Engineer the path forward ✅ Purpose-driven actions 

When you lead with clarity and gratitude, people respond with energy and commitment. 

Breakaway Tip: Begin every team meeting and 1-on-1 with “What’s working?” and then to create a solution-focused culture that energizes rather than drains. 

4. The ARC of Growth™ – The Psychology of Retention 

Retention is deeply personal—and psychological. Through our ARC of Growth™ framework, we address the three human needs every team member craves: 

• Autonomy – the freedom to act and problem-solve 

• Relationships – meaningful connection to others 

• Confidence – the belief they are capable and valued 

Autonomy and relationships form the foundation, but it’s confidence that creates longevity. When your team feels trusted, supported, and capable, they stay—and they thrive. 

Breakaway Tip: Create space for autonomy by applying the 10/80/10 rule: give the vision (10%), let them own the how (80%), and offer feedback at the end (10%). 

5. KEEP Results – Design the Employee Experience Around Four Pillars 

Retention isn’t a policy—it’s a people experience. That’s why we focus on KEEP as a way of life inside your culture: 

🔹 Knowledge – Clear expectations and open communication 

🔹 Engagement – People feel heard and valued 

🔹 Empowerment – Autonomy to own their work 

🔹 Partnership – A mutual commitment to success 

These principles should show up in your hiring, your onboarding, and your leadership meetings. When they do, your people don’t just stay—they grow with you. 

Breakaway Tip: Use the KEEP pillars to guide your first 90-day experience—review each one weekly with new hires to ensure they feel supported and connected. Of course, understanding these pillars and how to integrate them is core to what we coach on at Breakaway365.  

Ready to Start Building Your KEEPing Culture?  

If you’ll be attending the conference, stop by our Breakaway365 booth to explore how we’re helping home care leaders break the cycle of burnout and turnover. 

🎁 Plus, we're offering free access to: 

🔹 Our Core4 Alignment Assessment 

🔹 Our KEEP Communications Framework 

🔹 A sneak peek at our Breakaway365 Elite Coaching Program 

Let’s stop the revolving door and start building something that lasts. 

Want early access to the tools or want to chat 1-on-1 visit www.breakaway365.com to get started. 

ATTENTION: Home Care Leaders who Want to Accelerate Growth - To truly accelerate your agency’s growth, join us in Nashville, May 13-15th for our next Breakaway365 Immersive. This is not a mastermind but a deep dive into the Breakaway365 Framework, designed to reduce burnout, increase retention, and accelerate growth in ways you once thought impossible.  

Because in home care, success shouldn’t come at the cost of people leaving. Let’s build a culture they’re proud to stay for.