Have you ever seen people begin new jobs, or even a new project with lots of enthusiasm ready to start contributing, but watched as they steadily lost that motivation? Have you ever spent precious time, money and effort to accomplish a goal, yet received little recognition for your efforts? Recognition is a great motivator.
When an employee’s superiors and coworkers don’t recognize their efforts, one is not eager, nor willing to work hard again.
I worked for an organization for many years, and thought returning to school twice, demonstrated my dedication to the advancement of nursing within the organization. I not only sacrificed time with my family, struggled with academia not attempted since high school( algebra-which nearly killed me) and spent endless hours sitting in classrooms, libraries and my car to obtain my degrees. I worked full time in the ICU.
Upon graduation, I never received “formal” recognition from hospital administration; saying “good job” or “we’re proud of you,” or even “Kathy, is the only nurse manager in the organization who has earned her masters degree.”
No one brought me a new name plate for the outside of my office acknowledging my degree (I wrote MSN on a piece of tape and stuck it to the wall next to my name); no one even sent me a card.
One day I was “still in school” and the next I was “free” for additional assignment duty. Despite my long length of service and desire to support my local community; I gradually became frustrated, aggravated and disengaged from the organization and found employment “down the road.”
Fortunately, today I work in an organization that recognizes the importance of engaging their workforce.
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a yearly celebration; the Graduation Tea. The organization values continuing education, and understands promoting education and recognizing personal advancement ensures engaged, motivated and satisfied employees.
Each year any employee of the hospital who has graduated is invited, along with their family and coworkers to attend the Graduation Tea to celebrate their accomplishment.
The event is beautifully catered with terrific food, sparkling cider served in champagne glasses, and gorgeous fall centerpieces. Taking turns with speeches of praise included the Chairman of the Board, the CEO, COO, CNO and CMO.
The graduates spoke of long hours, struggle and dedication; but they also spoke with enthusiasm about their commitment to the organization, their appreciation for the members of administration, and how much they looked forward to utilizing their new found knowledge in their practice.
Isn’t it amazing how everyone wins when organizations take a few simple steps to recognize and reward hard work and dedication to profession? A little goes a long way sometimes.