In these uncertain times, it makes sense to want to get lean and mean and cut expenses by minimizing the frills and fluff. An initial thought might be to totally forgo any celebrations for your staff. Aren’t celebrations considered fluff? I’m not so sure. I think now, more than ever, we need to feel appreciated, celebrated, and important both at home and work. An interesting article in last Tuesday’s New York Times “Science” section discussed the psychology of saving and spending (think Ants and Grasshoppers), and included this nugget: “Other experiments showed that people will work harder for luxuries than for more practical prizes — and the more effort that’s required, the more they feel entitled to a self-indulgent reward. That’s a motivation strategy for managers and marketers to keep in mind, Dr. Kivetz said.”
Whether you offer free massages and yoga classes, celebration dinners, or give gifts, some kind of recognition is important. I would love to hear how your facility is celebrating your nurses, and I welcome your ideas and comments about what would really make you feel celebrated.
April 1, 2009 at 2:02 pm |
Nurses are such an important part of our healthcare system, yet seem the most unappreciated. I think recognition is vital in these times. It can be done in simpler ways that often times have more meaning.