Here are 10 tips that you may find helpful. We do these sorts of things every day but sometimes it is helpful to have a little reminder.
Our teams are organized to care for our residents and patients. Who helps the helpers? Take a moment and reflect.
1. Recognize and Appreciate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of your long-time associates. For example, publicly recognize an associate who has consistently provided exceptional care to residents. Might even consider a free drink from the cafe, lunch, or even a small gift card.
2. Provide Opportunities for Growth: Offer professional development opportunities to help associates enhance their skills and knowledge. For instance, provide training programs on topics like dementia care or leadership development. Not every team member desires to be president, but they may desire to be a little better.
3. Create a Positive Work Environment: Foster a positive and supportive work culture. Encourage teamwork, open communication, and collaboration among associates. For example, organize team-building activities or regular staff meetings to promote camaraderie.
4. Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Ensure that your associates are fairly compensated for their work. Provide competitive salaries, benefits packages, and retirement plans. For instance, consider implementing a phased retirement plan to accommodate associates who prefer to work fewer hours instead of retiring entirely.
5. Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible scheduling options and paid time off. For example, allow associates to have a say in their shift preferences or offer additional vacation days for long-time employees. But also consider that some members enjoy working the extra hours for any number of reasons.
6. Implement a Mentoring Program: Establish a mentoring program where experienced associates can mentor and guide newer employees. This fosters knowledge sharing and creates a sense of community within the organization. For instance, pair a long-time associate with a new hire to provide guidance and support.
7. Provide Regular Feedback and Performance Reviews: Conduct regular performance evaluations to provide constructive feedback and recognize areas of improvement. This helps associates understand their strengths and areas for growth. For example, schedule quarterly performance reviews to discuss goals and provide feedback. Regular, open, dialog also goes a long way.
8. Encourage Employee Engagement: Involve associates in decision-making processes and encourage their input. This gives them a sense of ownership and increases their engagement. For instance, hold regular staff meetings where associates can share their ideas and suggestions. Several organizations have leadership that speaks last, allowing all team members their opportunity to be heard. This takes discipline, but is powerful.
9. Promote Health and Wellness: Prioritize the well-being of your associates by offering wellness programs and resources. For example, organize health screenings, provide access to fitness facilities, or offer wellness incentives. This is truly helping the helpers.
10. Celebrate Milestones and Anniversaries: Recognize and celebrate the milestones and anniversaries of your long-time associates. This shows appreciation for their dedication and loyalty. For instance, host an annual recognition event to honor associates who have reached significant milestones with the organization.
These are simple reminders as I'm sure we have all considered each these items within our course. Reminders are a good way to refocus and reevaluate our direction and give us a good reflection point.
If you have any comments, please share.
Happy Computing,
\\//\\//olf