Those working in the healthcare industry will tell you: it’s not for everybody. The long hours, emotional toll, and constant adaptation to diverse patient needs can easily leave healthcare professionals feeling burned out. Couple this with the fact that many of their triumphs go unsung, and it’s no wonder the industry’s turnover rate is so high. In high-stress environments, the need for employee appreciation is critical. Here are six great ways to recognize healthcare professionals for their individual contributions.
Years of Service
For any business, it’s often a no-brainer to acknowledge and honor an employee’s tenure. It’s easy to track, builds loyalty, and applies to all employees equally. However, most employers wait until an employee has hit the 5 year mark to begin rewarding them. This leaves a long gap where employees are not thanked for their presence and dedication. Something as simple as a custom new-hire pin can help new employees feel like they’re part of the team right away. Adding in a service award at the 1 and 3-year mark also helps to bridge the gap during these critical first years. For more on how early recognition helps boost retention rates, check out our blog article here.
Patient Safety
Keeping patients safe and healthy requires constant effort. By honoring those who spearhead safety initiatives, hospitals can strengthen this core value and ensure future success. Safety awards could apply in a number of situations such as displaying calmness during a critical safety event, reducing systemic medical errors, preventing hospital-acquired infections, and more. These actions show a great level of care and concern for the patients and should be recognized as much as possible.
Training
Healthcare professionals often renew and expand upon their vast knowledge in order to provide better care. This shows an inner drive and a passion for their field; invaluable qualities in a high-stress profession. Employers can cheer on their growth by recognizing them for accomplishing each step along the way. For example, we created a brooch for Powell Valley Healthcare that held a symbolic snap-on charm for each step in their professional growth. Recipients of this award could proudly display their accomplishments wherever they went.
Mentorship
In order to teach the next generation of healthcare professionals, hospitals need strong mentors. Residents and interns look up to these leaders for guidance, so it’s important to recognize their immense contributions.
Patient Feedback
There are many highs and lows when caring for others. Patients’ lives are often affected powerfully and intimately by the care they receive. Receiving positive feedback from a patient is something that should be cherished and celebrated. Spotlighting positive comments not only raises morale, but outwardly demonstrates a standard of care and compassion to future patients.
Volunteer Hours
While not technically “employees,” volunteers put plenty of their time and talent into helping healthcare facilities function. Their charitable work aids in many everyday functions and deserves to be celebrated as well. One great way to quantify this is by celebrating the number of hours they’ve volunteered. Oftentimes, people don’t realize how much their contributions add up, so to see 100, 200, or more hours on an award can really drive home how much they’re appreciated.
Employee recognition is a must-have in any industry, but especially ones with fast-paced, high-stress environments. When awarding healthcare professionals, it’s important that the award is not only valuable, but meaningful. At Dion, we’re committed to designing and creating the perfect award for your organization. Getting started with Dion is easy: simply browse our gallery of past products for some inspiration, then This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. give us a call, or fill out our New Project Form for a quote!
