Deep Dive

This month, we explored how agency size influences performance. Small agencies (fewer than 200 caregivers) had the lowest retention rate across all groups, while medium-sized agencies (200–1000 caregivers) had the highest retention rate.

Data last updated October 1, 2024

This graph shows the retention rate by agency size. 

One reason for the lower retention at smaller agencies may be the mismatch between workforce size and available work. On average, a caregiver at a small agency works about 22 hours per week, compared to around 35 hours at medium and large agencies.

The histogram below shows how small agencies skew toward a lower average number of weekly hours than their medium and large counterparts:

Data last updated October 1, 2024

This graph shows the % of caregivers working x number of hours a week across agency size.

Although small agencies have fewer shifts to offer, they face the same rising demand as the rest of the industry, though demand dipped slightly this month. Despite this month’s volatility, the trend over the year has pointed toward overall demand growth across all agency sizes.

All agencies, but especially small agencies must prioritize workforce retention and utilization to stay aligned with demand. Otherwise, patients may be forced into institutional care settings, which heightens the risk of re-hospitalization—a costly outcome for payers.

Data last updated October 1, 2024

This graph shows the change in total shift hours by agency size.