With fast-paced schedules and increasing on-the-job demands, allied healthcare professionals often experience stress. Organizations can help reduce employees’ stress levels by implementing team-building programs that are fun and engaging while helping them form relationships with their colleagues. In fact, effective team-building activities have the power to transform your organization’s culture.
Here are three team-building activities to help keep your allied healthcare professionals engaged and satisfied with their jobs.
Give back and volunteer.
According to a recent LinkedIn survey, more than half of all professionals in the U.S. want to work for a company whose mission and vision matches their personal values. By incorporating philanthropy and charitable giving that promotes positive values, your employees will have an opportunity to bond and give back to the community through their jobs. Volunteer outings encourage your employees to collaborate and share ideas for a common good, while also promoting a culture of giving back. Additionally, they give employees a chance to get to know each other outside of their regular work environments.
Offer professional development opportunities.
Organizations of all sizes are finally seeing the importance of professional development. According to a study cited in this recent Chicago Tribune article, 70 percent of employees say they’re dissatisfied with growth opportunities at their companies. Your most talented employees are likely interested in growing as professionals, so offering team-building activities centered around development can engage your team and help them grow their knowledge base. Some ideas may include offering lunch-and-learn sessions or paying for your staff to attend a local presentation held by a well-known healthcare industry leader. Your employees will develop stronger relationships, expand their skillsets, and ultimately add more value to your organization.
Establish an employee recognition program.
Part of effective team-building is recognizing employees who live out your organization’s values. A formal employee recognition program empowers your team to perform to the best of their abilities and strive to live and breathe your organization’s mission. Rewarding high-achieving employees with bonuses or perks such as free lunches or a day off will promote a positive culture and incentivize your team to work together to meet common goals within their healthcare environment.
Team-building doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a process that must be embraced by leadership to gradually create a culture of collaboration and growth. Using the team-building activities above can improve the overall functioning of your organization and keep your best talent around. The more you can build a team-like atmosphere, the more committed your employees will be to your organization and its overall mission.