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In my recent article about celebrating National Potato Day, I included a few ways to get staff involved in celebrating this little-known holiday. A reader responded by sharing a frustration.
This reader said she works hard to plan activities at her nursing home that include staff participation. But it’s like pulling teeth to get staff interested and involved.
I understand her concern, as we faced the same challenge at a few of my former workplaces. While I don’t have a perfect solution, I know these ten tips will help.
1. Remind staff that their participation benefits the residents. For example, you might do a dress-up day and invite staff to wear the jerseys of their favorite sports teams. Yes, your event provides a fun change of pace for staff. But it also adds entertainment and a source of conversation for your residents.
2. Take pictures of staff having fun during special events and post them in the employee break room. Staff who didn’t take part will wonder what they missed out on, and you’ll spur their curiosity. Maybe they’ll decide to participate next time.
3. Make events convenient for all shifts. I know from experience how tough it is to get up for an activity at noon when I worked a night shift before and after the event. Find out what times work best for staff and, if possible, host the activity more than once.
4. Entice staff to take part in activities and events by offering fun prize drawings. If you believe you don’t have enough money in your budget, think again. Check out these tips and learn how to get prizes donated by local businesses.
5. Consider creating a team that plans special staff activities. Include people from every shift and all departments. Rotate the team members periodically so everyone gets a chance to take part.
6. Incorporate a “giving” aspect into your activity. People feel good when they help others. For example, you could invite staff to gather their spare change and bring it to an event to donate to a charity. Be sure to thank people for taking part and let them know the results of their efforts.
7. Find out the best ways to convey activities to staff (signs, emails, social media, shift reports, etc.). Then communicate frequently and boldly. I remember several times when we hosted a potluck or a dress-up day, and several people inevitably said, “Oh, I forgot we were doing that today.” Don’t allow them to forget!
8. Use friendly competition to motivate staff participation. Invite different shifts or different departments to compete against each other. The possibilities are endless, including costume contests, scavenger hunts, art projects, or fundraisers.
9. Free food always draws people to activities. Offer variety to appeal to different people’s preferences. You might consider something as simple as cookies, fruit, root beer floats, or healthy granola bars.
10. Some people will choose not to take part, no matter how hard you try. Don’t take it personally and don’t give up. Know that your efforts will make a positive difference in the lives of your residents and your staff in the long run.
Here’s where I need your help. How do you encourage staff participation in your senior living community? Please let us know in the comment section!
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