Are You Appreciated? How Do Rewards and Recognition Impact Retention?
By Janet Brady
Employee Activities Coordinator, Methodist Health System
We all like to be recognized for a job well done. In fact, rewards and recognition are motivators for health care professionals. It just makes sense that those who choose to care for others want to feel cared for as well.
National studies underscore just how important feeling valued and appreciated is to nurses and other staff in the hospital. One study conducted in 2010 identified recognition in the workplace as the third highest priority for meeting nurses’ needs. The formula is simple: recognition + reward = increased employee engagement and enhanced job satisfaction. Highly satisfied employees deliver the kind of care that results in highly satisfied patients.
The Methodist Health System culture is built on recognizing and rewarding employees for their outstanding performance. Our history of saying “thank you” to employees has evolved from formal, scheduled events such as the annual service awards banquet to monthly celebrations held to recognize individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond. We recognize units/departments for best patient experience and best quality, and our day-to-day recognition program encourages best performances and is tied to an accumulating point reward system.
If you’re searching for the right health care organization to join, here are some criteria to consider that convey that the organization appreciates and rewards its employees:
Is your future manager’s style compatible with yours? Does he or she value the team of employees he or she manages?
- Is leadership training offered? Does the organization promote from within? Is there an emphasis on professional development?
- During the interview process, does the culture communicate friendliness and a feeling of family to you?
- What kinds of programs are in place that reward and recognize employees for their performance?
- Does the organization offer a regular forum for employees to talk about issues and opportunities? Does the organization make changes based on feedback from these forums?
Evaluating these and other criteria in terms of their “we appreciate and reward our employees” value, can help you make the best choice for your career and support your desire for a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship.
How do I know that feeling appreciated and receiving formal recognition from my employer is so important? My personal experience was my best teacher. I began at Methodist as a payroll clerk and moved to HR secretary. Both were stressful, but when I was honored as an Employee of the Month and later as Employee of the Year, it changed my career path.
If Methodist is your choice for a career partner, learn more by visiting Jobs.MethodistHealthSystem.org.
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