Creating a Positive Work Culture
Work culture is important in all work environments. It’s especially important in healthcare settings because employees are a direct reflection of their work environment, for the most part. Saving people’s lives and caring for people who cannot care for themselves can cause quite a large amount of stress. With that being said, stress shouldn’t be what drives you to be successful in your job. Creating a good work culture is key to having driven and hard working employees who stay and help your business grow. Here are some ways you can create a positive work culture in your facility.
1. Empathy
Being empathetic with your employees will get you far. Not only will it make you feel better, but the employee will see that you truly care and will trust and want to work harder for you. Not everyone is good at empathy, and that’s okay. If you’re one of those people who aren’t, just remember to try to put yourself in that employee’s shoes. Try not to raise your voice or immediately discredit whatever issue they are having. Show them that you care about what is going on in their lives outside of work. If something comes up, be compassionate and as understanding as possible.
2. Feedback
Knowing how to give and take feedback is vital in creating a positive work culture. Everyone makes mistakes and nurses are no different! If an employee is doing something wrong, present the issue to them in a kind manner. Make sure they know you are just looking out for them and you aren’t attacking them. On the other side of the spectrum, if you are approached by a superior or coworker and they are telling you something you did wrong, try not to take it personally. Constructive criticism is just about the only way you are going to improve your skills. You are a medical team for a reason. Everyone needs to trust everyone and be able to help each other out!
3. Have Fun
Sometimes it’s hard to even think of the word fun when your job means life and death at times. Obviously, this one isn’t meant to mean prioritize jokes over doing your job. This type of fun means more of having good conversation with your coworkers. Keep your jokes good-natured and silly, try to make someone laugh every day. Not only will this make you smile and feel better, your patients will read your happy mood and, in return, feel happy too!
Work culture is something that is important in every field. Having happy employees will not only make your time at work more enjoyable, but it will encourage them work harder and strive to do better! Let us know your tips for creating a positive work culture in your workplace!
