APPRECIATING YOUR STAFF/HOW TO IDEAS?

Nancy1 · Jun 20, 2000

Meg, I am an ADON in LTC and when I want to show the team they have done a great job, I bring in treats. Usuallysomething from the bakery as this crew I have now is not into hard rolls or bagels.

Depending on the cash flow, we have done pizza for the staff.

I also keep a bag of freebies that I get at conferences and give a person a choice to recognize the person right away. Hope this helps, NA

RNAC · Jun 22, 2000

Originally posted by MEG4:
I AM A NURSE MANAGER IN AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY. IF ANYONE HAS ANY IDEAS ON HOW I COULD SHOW MY WONDERFULL STAFF JUST HOW VALUABLE AND DEDICATED I FEEL THEY ARE I WOULD APPRECIATE IT MYSELF. I SEE THEIR HARD WORK EVERY DAY, AND WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO SHOW/THANK THEM IN MANY DIFFERANT WAYS BE IT BIG OR SMALL THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
I WANT TO BE ABLE TO KEEP SUCH A GREAT TEAM!!!!!!THANKS

According to Stephen Covey , author of "Seven Habits of Effective People" you can't talk your way out of problems you behave yourself into. Being kind,courteous, keeping promises, honering expectations, being loyal to those absent and apologizing as needed will show your team that you care.

jimbob · Jun 26, 2000

ok RNAC, I agree that these are things one should do as a team leader - but aren't these the basics? shouldn't we assume that these are being done anyway (speaking of being kind to each other). i agree with previous reply posters - doing a little something extra occasionally (too often and it loses it's magic, unless someone has gone to particular lengths to do something extra) will do wonders :-)

[This message has been edited by jimbob (edited June 26, 2000).]

Nancy1 · Jun 30, 2000

One of the things that I have started doing and my staff seem to really like: When I see something special that an employee has done, I pull the person into my office and let the person chose something from a bag of goodies I get when I go to conferences. They really seem to like the pens for some reason. NA

Jo_deye_yuh · Jul 28, 2000

In this world of cut backs, monitary compensations for a job well done are pretty much nil. But recognition of a staff's extra efforts and dedication is the next best thing. It is amazing what the simple every day words..."Thank you, or Good Job", can do for the esteem. When staff begins to feel neglected and used, it shows and others pay the high price. By keeping lines of communication open and staff CONFIDENTIALITY, it assures trust and fellowship. The team really does reflect it's leader.

The "awards" or acknowledgments should not be condescending..."here is a lolli-pop for picking up your room". It should be geared to the improvement of each staff members own performance. Goals set, even if one is not the over-achiever of the team, but still puts the effort and dedication toward their work every day, should not get lost in the giving of recognition. "Prizes, awards, treats, etc." can also be given to team units as a whole, to maintain kinship and detract from competitive do-gooders.

As leaders, we sometimes have personality cliques or clashes with some staff, but that aside each staff should be treated based on job performance and their idividuality. One staff member may be the "apple of your eye", but the one that makes you scratch your eye's out, may be the one that makes a difference elsewhere in the facility. Personalities vary allowing for a broad spectrum of ways to show appreciation and acknowledge of good jobs done.

I applaud you MEG4 for caring and trying to keep moral up with your staff. Wish my DON did the same!

In staff meetings, a time could be set for recognition of performance. Categories of monthly achievments can be pronounced with 'certificates of award', doing weekly or monthly parking awards, (this is where the one acknowledged gets to park in the highly sought after parking space..closest to the building), a communal gift box that each employee donates a gift (homemade craft or $5.00 gift)that can be a source of prizes given, making sure the person receiving the gift isn't getting the gift they donated . Special deed awards...for doing something above and beyond expectation. If a resident or patient remarks about a staff members talents or job well done...resident kudos award..etc.

The main thing is that as leaders you care for your team and encourage a positive working environment. Everyone is rewarded with that!

[This message has been edited by Jo_deye_yuh (edited July 28, 2000).]

fergus51 · Jul 29, 2000

I did my practicum lsat year at a LTC facility. To show appreciation to the nurses management treated them to a formal sit down tea. They were served little cakes with it and had a great time. It caused problems though when the care aides were thanked with a cheap box of doughnuts the next day.