Engaging Employees in Our Network
September 29, 2022
Our practices have found their own unique ways to keep team members engaged in their workplace. Our Innovative Solutions Team was created to help spread these ideas throughout the network. They meet regularly and invite hospital managers to share and learn on a variety of topics. We are proud to be able to support and make space for these innovative ideas to keep the practice environment positive and productive, as well as provide reimbursement for continuing education (CE), which is an important part of team members’ career growth.
CE is an imperative element of engaging team members at our practices. Every full-time and part-time employee has access to CE reimbursement. Each practice has the chance to take part in CE in a way that works for them, whether it is in person or remotely. Practice teams are able to bring back what they learned to the team to not only share knowledge but to encourage and inspire others to use their CE credit.
While inspiring each other to participate in CE, our teams have also come up with some touching, sincere ways to keep each other's spirits high each day. This often includes celebrating individual milestones or life events, surprise team lunches, and appreciation weeks. Also, they take time to balance stress by planning group activities such as a team craft or scavenger hunt. Some teams take the time to see each other outside of the practice and participate in activities such as kayaking, axe throwing, or escape rooms! There are practices that give their team members shout-outs through our Thankful Thursday campaign, or by posting on their social media pages.
Participation in local, community events has also increased over the past few months and is yet another way teams deepen their connection and foster positive energy. Several of our practices from Rhode Island and Massachusetts took part in Rhode Island Pride event, the Wauwatosa Veterinary Clinic team went to Pet Walk Milwaukee which benefits the Wisconsin Humane Society, and staff from Bright Eyes and Bushy Tails Veterinary Hospital headed over to their local brewery’s Yappy Hour over the summer.
Our practices have shown their resiliency and innovation as they balance providing compassionate, quality care while looking for ways to engage the team in fun, new, and exciting ways. We will continue to amplify the strength of our network and help improve our employee engagement across all of our practices by encouraging the use of CE credit as well as sharing ideas for team recognition and community events. If you are an employee and want to learn about the CE credit or have ideas about employee engagement please reach out to your hospital manager to start the conversation.
