Tis the season…the season to show appreciation, appreciation to coworkers, employees, and those we interact with regularly. Please don’t let December fly by without recognizing the individuals who have helped to make the office more efficient, less stressful, and a kinder and happier place to work.
Make room for appreciation
Veterinary staff work hard, are exposed to high stress and anxiety, and often take their work home with them. Jobs in the industry can be emotionally and physically taxing, but managers can improve morale and job satisfaction by taking time to think about how employees contribute to the success of the practice. Really give this some thought. Is it the receptionist who is consistently polite and caring, even with grumpy clients? How about the kennel attendant who treats every boarder like royalty? Or, maybe it’s the veterinarian who patiently responds to staff’s questions?
Every person on the team has something to offer. We owe it to our staff to be supportive and appreciative during the holidays and throughout the year. Happy and engaged employees create strong and cohesive work environments and are more productive and caring about clients and patients. If you haven’t incorporated showing appreciation into your regular routine, start by doing it during the holiday season and make it a monthly practice.
There is no one way to show your employees that you value what they do and respect them. Ask ten managers how they demonstrate appreciation and you might get ten different responses. If you need some ideas to get started, I’ve included a few that I have used, as well as ideas from other managers.
Perk staff up with unexpected perks
Injecting the unexpected into the workday is a great way to encourage staff to relax and enjoy themselves. We schedule a gingerbread contest, employee bake-off, Secret Santa, and more. Holiday Spirit Week is also an employee favorite. Each day of the week is reserved for something special, including holiday hair day, holiday sock day, and holiday scrubs day, to name of few. Of course, holiday treats are also available. The staff looks forward to the events and it’s a way for the practice to say thank you.
Whether it’s a free lunch, an early closing, or a holiday-themed dress day, do something unexpected that will help staff to recalibrate and understand that you value them.
Put it in writing
Think back on how you reacted after receiving an unexpected, heartfelt thank you note. If you’re like me, you’ve saved these notes and look back on them from time-to-time. The holidays are the perfect time to express gratitude to staff that is working hard. Be sure to personalize the note by focusing on something that the employee or team may have accomplished. Does it have to be a major accomplishment? Absolutely not! Sometimes it’s the little things that people think have gone unnoticed that have the strongest emotional impact when you focus on them. Keep your eyes and ears open, take notes when you see noteworthy behavior and make sure to highlight these behaviors in a note.
If your staff is large and it is difficult to connect with every employee, send a note to the team. The note can be brief, but the sentiment must be genuine.
On the job relaxation
Sometimes just taking a few minutes away from work can make all the difference. The holidays bring out a wide range of emotions, which people like and need to express. Whether it’s to vent, share traditions or get advice, scheduling informal talk sessions where employees can address some of the holiday issues on their mind, can be cathartic for the individual and a bonding experience for the team.
I look forward to celebrating the holidays with my family, colleagues, and staff. Appreciation is at the forefront of what I plan to do this year.
And while I am on the topic of appreciation, I would like to express my appreciation to my VHMA colleagues. Each of you has contributed to my personal and professional growth. You are my friends, my advisors, and my support system. When I was inducted as president at the annual meeting, I could feel your support and friendship. You have given so much to me and have inspired me to do my best for the association. Thank you!
Wishing you happy holidays and all the best in 2020.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Michelle Gonzales-Bryant, CVPM
VHMA President