Meaningful recognition: Join a focus group to shape new programs

Thanks to the 1,700 staff and physicians who shared their voice through the recognition survey, we are on our way to improving how we recognize and acknowledge you for the outstanding work you do. Thank you for sharing what’s important to you and helping create a better VCH!

Overall, we heard that clinical and non-clinical staff would like to be most recognized for providing exceptional client care and prefer to be recognized in-person by their direct supervisor. In your own words, meaningful recognition means “making a difference” (the most commonly used phrase), followed by “acknowledgement, appreciation and making an impact.”

The next step is to involve staff and physicians in the creation of new recognition programs that support a culture of caring for each other, learning, and delivering the best care to our patients, clients and residents.

What makes recognition meaningful to you?

After closely analyzing the survey submissions and comments, these overall results are directly informing our next steps:

• 89% of you want to be recognized for providing exceptional care, followed by going above and beyond (87%) and bringing innovative ideas to life (82%). Other suggestions in the comments were performance, length of service, attendance, teamwork and patient experience.
• 54% of you prefer to be recognized in-person, followed by thank you cards (24%) and team events (23%). Less popular responses were VCH-wide events and digital platforms (social media, intranet and news). Other suggestions included gift cards and flexible work schedules/days off.
• 54% of you feel recognition is most meaningful when it comes from your direct supervisor/manager, followed by peers/co-workers (40%), patients, clients, residents and families (35%) and senior leaders of VCH (28%).

The fact that both clinical and non-clinical staff would like to be most recognized for providing exceptional care shows how connected we all our to our organization’s purpose, and what we value most. Thank you for your commitment to consistently delivering the best care!

Other ideas for meaningful recognition

Many of you offered specific comments on what makes recognition meaningful. Here are the top themes:

• You want to be recognized by receiving performance related incentives, training, wellness support and gym memberships, bike-lockers and change rooms at each site, child care, and flexible working arrangements (time and space). Sincere, honest and trust-based relationships with your direct supervisors are also important to you.
• Recognition is not meaningful when you hear “well done” repeatedly and unconstructive feedback or feel insincere acknowledgment from leaders. You also feel that being given unhealthy food and long term service awards pins have little sentimental value and benefit.
• Other meaningful thoughts on what makes recognition special to you were shared, such as:
  • “Recognition is meaningful when it is positive/supportive, timely, specific, and genuine.”
  • “The best ‘thank you’s’ come from our patients.”
  • “Recognition to me means accepting the diversity of the staff by management, equal opportunities for everyone.”
  • “When a manager takes the time to get to know you and knows the work you do, you work harder because you feel appreciated.”

Join a recognition focus group

Based on your feedback, our next step is to establish focus groups with staff, physicians and managers to co-create and implement new recognition programs. The first focus groups are planned for mid-May through June. If you are interested in participating, please email culture@vch.ca by April 30. Your voice matters!

Thanks again to everyone who completed the survey and for your ongoing participation in shaping the future of VCH.