5 Ways to Show Appreciation for Your Team

June 10, 2020

Now that the “new normal” created by the coronavirus has become the standard, lots of people are left feeling exhausted and burned out. We know that being a healthcare worker on the front lines can take a physical and emotional toll on a person which is why we want to make sure our practice teams feel appreciated and valued.

As a hospital manager, you can use this list of ideas to boost morale and show your team you care:

1. Check in with your team

This seems simple but it’s actually really important and can create the most change at your practice. Engage your team by asking them how you can make today, the rest of the week, or even next week better. Ask them how you can best support them as individuals and how they can support one another. At the end of the day, you’ll be able to utilize their input to show your appreciation for them in a way that meets their needs.

2. Host a game night

There are lots of options - and lots of games to choose from - for hosting a game night. While some of you may prefer a virtual Bingo night or playing online games like, Skribbl, you could also opt for an in-person after-hours game night (Life or Monopoly, anyone?) at one of your coworkers’ homes.

3. Shout out your team members

What this looks like will vary from practice to practice. Some might highlight a single employee on Facebook each day while others might place signs in the parking lot encouraging clients to thank their healthcare heroes. You can also write notes of appreciation, provide your team members with gift cards and/or gift bags, and designate a communal area for staff to share kind notes about one another.

4. Share a meal

Whether you want to block off an hour during the work day - yes, we encourage you to turn off those phones for a bit - for an outdoor barbeque with your team (yard games optional) or you’d like to throw them a pizza party, giving your staff some time to eat and socialize in the middle of the day is a great way to show them you care. You could also opt for a potluck style event where everyone brings something that they love.

5. Watch a movie

Not many game fanatics at your practice? No worries. You can host a movie night instead. Similarly to hosting a game night, you can do this during work hours or after. Once you decide on a movie that everyone will enjoy (which will arguably be the hardest part), turn off those phones for two hours, kick back with some snacks, and watch away. If you opt for an after-hours movie night, you can designate a host, invite your coworkers over, and celebrate with some food and drinks.

If you’re a regional manager looking to show your appreciation for your practices and their managers, you can send lunch or snacks to the hospital, send a handwritten note, and/or create a thank you video to share with them during a virtual staff meeting.

There are so many options for showing your team you care, especially now, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and get creative with the appreciation ideas.