| Article of the Week from WEL-Life at Elk Point's Administrator. |
| 10 tips to create happy staff and well cared for residents. Ever heard the saying "If Mama's not happy, nobody's happy"? That goes for caregivers as well. We at WEL-Life in Elk Point are very fortunate, we have some of the best staff anywhere! It shows in everything they do! The end result is happy and well cared for residents. Here I will list some things that I have learned as a manager that make and keep staff members happy. Also, as a nurse, I have been on both sides of the fence, so I know from first hand experience what works and what doesn't. 1. Make the schedule out in plenty of time so they can plan their lives outside of work. 2. Don't schedule people for overtime or double back shifts without asking. Very often you will find some are able to do extra and some are not. 3. Have at least 15 minutes of fun time at staff meetings. For example one day we had a celebrate us segment. We wore crazy sun glasses, sprayed each other with silly string and had cake afterwards. Even the residents were involved in the silly string! We also have meeting icebreakers on a regular basis. We have played merit poker, and hosted a crazy pants contest for the residents to judge. 4. Tell employee's thank you. Sincerely show appreciation for thier efforts. 5. Don't focus on the negative, nobody is perfect! Always commend the positive work that they do. 6. Listen--this is a key part of any mananger. Don't act as if you don't have time. An open door policy is important! 7. Welcome their ideas and suggestions, after all they are the ones doing the job, and probably know better than you do what works at what doesn't. 8. Allow staff to involve family members in your organization. For example I have one employee who doesn't have a sitter during staff meetings, she is able to bring her little boy with her. He visits with the residents while we get down to business. Also another staff member's sister was in town for a week end and she had to work. I allowed her sister to eat supper at our facility and visit afterwards. As long as the phone calls are not excessive or lengthy, it's okay to answer a call from a family member. Some have children that must check in before going anywhere or when getting home from school. Don't make life hard on a working Mom and you will have a better worker! 9. Educate and delegate. Teach your staff members new skills and give them important responsiblities. This allows people to gain self worth and self confidence. 10. Most of all be kind and speak in a calm supportive tone of voice. If you have earned respect, there will be no need for loud or harsh words. Copyright, Nancy Dyer. This article may not be sold or used for profit. |
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| To the Service Team Members at WEL-Life of Elk Point. Thank you for being YOU! |
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