As autumn approaches, safeguarding your team’s health and maintaining operational excellence becomes paramount. The lingering effects of Covid-19 have heightened health awareness, making your role as a leader even more crucial, especially in healthcare settings. In this post we will go through 5 different strategies to help empower your team through this difficult phase of the year. 

5 Strategies to Foster a Resilient Team in Challenging Times

1. Cultivate Genuine Care

Demonstrate authentic concern for your staff’s well-being. Prioritize their immediate needs alongside long-term goals. Clearly communicate that taking sick leave when symptoms arise is not only acceptable but encouraged. This approach fosters a culture where team members feel supported in prioritizing their health.

2. Model Best Practices

Actions speak louder than words. When you take time off to recover from illness, you set a powerful example. This reinforces the message that health comes first, regardless of one’s position in the organization.

3. Uphold Safety Standards

While fundamental, the importance of maintaining rigorous safety practices cannot be overstated. Consistently enforce sanitization protocols and proper use of protective equipment. Be sure to praise them for being a team player. This unwavering commitment to safety creates a secure environment for all. 

4. Embrace Innovation in Health Practices

The Covid-19 pandemic underscored the importance of adaptability. Stay informed about the latest health and safety developments, and proactively share this knowledge with your team. This forward-thinking approach ensures your practices remain cutting-edge and effective. 

5. Extend Support Beyond the Workplace

Demonstrate your commitment to your team’s holistic well-being by advocating for benefits that promote a healthy lifestyle outside of work. Consider seeing if HR can provide gym memberships, nutritious meal options, mental health resources, or wellness incentives. These initiatives show that your company values your team’s health comprehensively, not just within the confines of the workplace. Even if it’s hard to control these as a manager or director, showing that you tried to get these in place can go a long way. 

By helping to implement these strategies, you’ll create a resilient, health-conscious environment that empowers your EVS team to excel, even during challenging seasons.

In Summary

By implementing these proactive measures, you’re not just protecting your team’s health—you’re fostering a culture of trust, resilience, and mutual respect. This approach leads to increased job satisfaction, improved productivity, and ultimately, better patient care. Remember, a healthy EVS team is the backbone of a safe and efficient healthcare environment. Your leadership in promoting health and well-being will pay dividends in both the short and long term, creating a stronger, more dedicated workforce ready to meet any challenge.