A positive workplace culture in healthcare is essential for all parties involved. This includes the organization and facility as a whole, composed of healthcare workers, leaders, managers, and even patients.
Workplace culture defined briefly is the “set of values, norms, and beliefs that make up the way employees in a company interact with each other, with their managers, and so on.”
Nurses USA states, “A positive workplace culture entails cultivating a compassionate, kind atmosphere where respect and skillful communication are encouraged and institutionally modeled.” In healthcare, this includes an ongoing focus on improving the staff and the organization where morale can grow.
Workplace culture is dynamic and actively being impacted by both the organization and on the individual level. Therefore, maintaining a positive workplace culture is even possible when your facility utilizes per diem nurses and healthcare workers, like nurseIO’s network, for additional support too!
Read on for three actionable ways to maintain a positive workplace culture in healthcare.
Lead By Example
As stated from Keith Carlson on Nurse.org, “Aside from the hiring of a progressive, forward-thinking nurse leader, changes in culture often begin from the ground up – and that means you.”
Start by shifting your mindset and displaying your values at work and in your everyday life. You can CHOOSE to alter the workplace culture of a meeting, an interaction with a patient, or speaking with coworkers.
Consistency is key. When an organization’s values are reflected in the daily communication and practices, better collaboration, solutions, and patient care results.
The way you treat people will eventually rub off and others will reciprocate.
Give Your Team the Tools They Need to Perform Their Job Well
When healthcare workers feel supported, comfortable, and confident in the organization or facility, they will push to give their best.
Make it a priority to regularly check-in on your staff. Ask if they need any help or how you can aid in making their shift go smoother.
Engaging daily in transparent communication will help bring awareness to how the entire floor is doing. This way others can join in to provide support when needed.
Provide opportunities for healthcare workers to voice their concerns or opinions too. Healthcare workers do the day-to-day jobs, and know what can help improve overall outcomes for the facility, staff, and patients.
Think about what resources you can make available to help staff manage an already stressful job. Is it more one-on-one meetings? Bringing in additional per diem support so your staff isn’t burned out?
Recognize and Acknowledge Healthcare Workers
Acknowledging healthcare workers for their positive behaviors is a powerful motivator. This could simply be positive feedback from upper management or a peer to peer pat on the back.
When a team appreciates each other, then it becomes a habit among the entire team. During huddles, meetings, shift changes, and in the break room, engage in compliments and positive talk.
When team members feel empowered by others, everyone wants to reach out and return the favor.
Feeling valued instills a sense of purpose in healthcare workers, and encourages them to put their best foot forward.
Overall, a positive workplace culture in healthcare is possible when implementing actionable tips like these. As a result, healthcare workers are happy, organizations can thrive, and patients are cared for well!
Maintain a Positive Workplace Culture in Healthcare By Having nurseIO Join Your Team!
One of the biggest issues healthcare facilities face is short-staffing. nurseIO’s contracted professionals join different local facilities who need additional support in staffing gaps with the touch of a button!
Connect with nurseIO today. We’re a technology platform that connects healthcare professionals desiring flexible gig work to open per diem shifts at local facilities.
