Here's how you can effectively recognize and reward teamwork in a healthcare organization.

Effectively recognizing and rewarding teamwork in a healthcare organization is vital for fostering a supportive and motivated work environment. Start by acknowledging achievements publicly, whether through team meetings or newsletters, to highlight the value of collaboration. Implement rewards that align with healthcare professionals' preferences, such as professional development opportunities or team outings, to encourage continued teamwork. Regularly seek feedback from team members to ensure recognition efforts resonate and adjust rewards accordingly to sustain morale and commitment.

I remember a director once told me that hand written thank you cards was not advised but required to dear yearly. Whether it be on the department's day of recognition or on Christmas. Although time consuming, I have not felt an ounce of appreciated through cards with printed signatures and general writing that is sent to everyone. It's important that your associates recognize that you spend the time to put into words how you appreciate them. The smallest of things sometimes create the bridges and largest of impact.

Personal praise is something that I absolutely believe in when it comes to appreciating the hard work and efforts of staff. My staff always appreciate it when they are validated with the efforts they make for patient care. I try to give shout outs during staff meetings so that the physicians and upper level management are aware of the efforts being made by individuals

Go and spend time with clinicians where they work. Ask them about what brought them into the NHS, their profession and what is most rewarding about serving their patients. Once you have reminded them of those things, try to honour their dedication and talents by tackling things that get in their way.

I have found that the perception of performance reviews are reviewed negatively. I often tell my staff beforehand that they are coming up for a performance review so that they are not surprised by it and that it’s going to be more of a conversation and discussion about their strengths and also areas that can be worked on in alignment with the company values and goals… When I approach these reviews with the mindset of a conversational style of dialogue with my staff …. They are very open and receptive to taking on challenges and changes !