Employee Recognition-A Matter of Health and Care

Posted by on Sep 13, 2011 in Personnel | 0 comments

By Roy Saunderson

When Dr. Jean-Pierre Brun, the Chair in Occupational Health and Safety Management at Université Laval in Québec City stated a lack of recognition at work was the second highest cause of stress in the workplace, it makes you realize how impacting on our health expressing appreciation can be in someone’s life.

What we have discovered is the art and practice of giving people recognition is a felt phenomenon which inluences the self-esteem of the recipient who then wants to continue to perform well in whatever work they do. It seems by expressing verbal and written praise and appreciation it is more than just a good thing to do – it’s a healthy thing to do too.

In California, at the Heart Math Institute, they conducted pioneering research studying heart rate variability (HRV) using echocardiograms (EKG) of when people put themselves into a self-induced state of frustration or into a state of feeling genuine appreciation. When individuals fixated on thoughts of frustration they displayed an erratic, disordered heart rhythm pattern. This contrasted significantly with the smooth, harmonious, and regular heart patterns of individuals who focused strictly on positive emotions of feelings of appreciation. When we feel appreciated we are likely to be healthier just by keeping a healthy HRV with our hearts.

(more…)

Read more

Hospital Workforce Recognition: Top Ways Employee Recognition Will Increase Engagement and Retention

Posted by on Jul 21, 2011 in Personnel | 0 comments

By Peter W. Hart

In today’s healthcare and hospital workforce environments, staying competitive and compliant requires a focused and motivated workforce. Keeping all employees motivated and engaged  from administrators to physicians and nurses to technicians and support staff is essential for optimal patient care and profitability.  Yet, the rapid pace of healthcare reform with short and long-term changes in regulations, compliance, research, and consumer concerns requires high morale from the entire organization and all of the external moving parts to achieve optimal growth, purpose and profitability.

Over 90% of North American companies have “recognition” programs. But, according to surveys, more than 60% of their employees don’t feel recognized. This significant disconnect must be addressed immediately or the consequences will hit companies hard.  According to a recent Deloitte Talent Edge 2020 study, employers are at risk of losing their top talent and the unfortunate truth is that this exodus is hitting organizations at the same time as predicted talent shortages are projected.

(more…)

Read more