The benefits of creating a positive workplace culture start before potential staff members even join your team. Forty-six percent of job seekers state company culture is a key factor when deciding to apply with an organization. And internally, it improves patient and employee satisfaction.
The good news: If your organization needs help, we’ve got some tips. Read on for a few ideas that can help your organization improve its workplace culture.
Tip #1: Encourage communication
Instead of using a top-down approach, take steps to ensure that communication is always a two-way street:
- Communicate regularly: Important updates and decisions should be shared in a timely fashion via email, newsletters or meetings, depending on the urgency and importance of the message.
- Exchange ideas: Any time a policy or procedure modification is necessary, ask for staff input on potential improvements, pitfalls and changes. Better yet, hold monthly meetings to let staff exchange tips, techniques and current concerns.
Thank people for speaking up at meetings with a staff thank-you gift, whether it’s some cool drinkware to toast their amazing suggestions or a useful multi-tool flashlight to thank them for helping you see a better way.
Tip #2: Gamify problem-solving
Every healthcare organization and its staff have challenges. So why not try to make finding the solution fun? Assemble your employees into teams (or use the teams already in place) and employ some healthy competition, creativity and even a few prizes to meet your office issues head on—while simultaneously creating a positive workplace culture.
For example, let’s say your organization has issues getting patients to keep their appointments or show up to them on time. Tackle this challenge with these steps:
- Set a time to explain to each team member what issue they’re trying to address.
- Tell them what’s at stake—perhaps it’s a catered lunch or some high-end wireless headphones for the winners.
- Give them a timeframe to brainstorm a solution.
- Have each team put their plan into action.
- Track the results and follow up with your reward.
Tip #3: Support staff having downtime
Studies have shown that taking a break at work—whether to eat a meal or chat with a co-worker—has both physical and mental health benefits. That’s why taking steps to ensure staff members make the most of every break can be so critical:
- Fix up the breakroom: If your employee lounge or other relaxation area looks dull and lifeless, chances are good no one will use it. Put up a fresh coat of paint, add some artwork, plants and a game set to get people inside.
- Ensure it’s getting used: If people aren’t using the room, find out why. Do they feel they don’t have the time? Do they need something else to pique their interest? Brainstorm ways to ensure breaks are a priority. (And don’t forget to lead by example!)
- Add other break options: Do people need a walking club? Healthy snacks, like trail mix? A daily tea time? Have staff continue to innovate, iterate and above all, keep prioritizing breaks.
Better culture, better care
By creating a positive workplace culture with communication, self-care and staff thank-you gifts, you’ll soon see a very special benefit—happier staff and happier patients. Good luck!