Don’t you think that most companies could use more CARE (Communicate, Appreciate, Respect, and Encourage) in the workplace? And if there’s a specific industry that really needs CARE, it is the health care industry. Employees (care givers) in the health care industry – hospitals, hospice, home health, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, even doctors’ offices – spend most of their time taking care of other people. It’s time we show them some love; some CARE.
Having spent several years in the health care industry, the last two in hospice, it is my opinion that most of these companies focus on money first, patients second and employees third. This needs to change. I know we are all in business to make money, but we need to put our people first. Like I have said before, your employees are your best client. If you don’t take care of them, eventually you will not have any clients (patients) to take care of. Period.
Make your employees feel like they’re “part of” your company, not “apart from”. Involve and include them in the company plans, vision, and goals. Ask their opinion, let them know they matter. Listen to them and their ideas. After all, they are on the front line every day. They need to feel appreciated. When employees feel that you really CARE about them and that they are a part of the company, they will go the extra mile, with a smile.
Of course employees have to do their part, too. They need to be held accountable. We are all responsible. We all need to look in the mirror and ask ourselves why we are doing the work we do, and consider whether or not we’re doing the best job possible. It’s much more likely that employees will do this when they know that you CARE about them.
Next week, May 6 – May 12, is National Nurses Week. It’s the perfect opportunity to show this incredible group of people how much we care about them. Show them and all people in the health care industry that you really do CARE. If you do, you will start to see a positive change in your employees and the benefits will be far reaching. The morale will improve, the patients will benefit and … your company will be more profitable, too.
What do you think? I’d Love to hear your thoughts.
Al