1. Align Employee Work with the Mission
Since your mission focuses on resilience, gratitude, and persistence, weave these values into daily operations:
- Resilience Training: Offer workshops on handling challenges, both personal and professional, and recognize employees who demonstrate resilience in tough situations.
- Gratitude Culture: Start team meetings with gratitude sharing, focusing on what employees are thankful for in their work or life.
- Persistence Awards: Recognize employees who overcome challenges to achieve significant results, even if the journey was tough.
2. Empower Teams with Purpose
- Autonomy in Schools: Allow therapists and interns the flexibility to adapt their methods to the specific needs of the schools and children they serve.
- Mission Impact Stories: Regularly share the positive outcomes of your services, like student breakthroughs, to remind employees why their work matters.
3. Build a Tight-Knit Team
- Collaborative Projects: Organize cross-functional teams (e.g., therapists and administrative staff) to tackle creative projects, like community outreach events or school programs.
- Therapist Forums: Create a safe space for therapists to share insights, strategies, and successes, reinforcing camaraderie and support.
4. Foster Professional Development
- Training for Interns: Provide structured, hands-on experience in working with youth, ensuring they feel prepared and valued.
- Clinical Supervision: Offer free or discounted supervision for those pursuing advanced licensure (e.g., LPCC-S), which benefits both the employee and the business.
5. Address Credentialing and Billing Challenges Positively
- Transparent Communication: When billing or credentialing issues arise, keep employees informed and focus on collective problem-solving.
- Recognition During Tough Times: If delays impact revenue, publicly acknowledge the staff's patience and emphasize your commitment to long-term stability.
6. Celebrate Success and Build Morale
- Monthly Mission Impact Reports: Share data or anecdotes about the number of children served, schools impacted, or lives changed.
- Team Appreciation Days: Host informal gatherings like a picnic or catered lunch to celebrate team milestones.
7. Offer Flexibility and Support
- Custom Schedules: Allow therapists to adjust their hours around school schedules or family needs.
- Wellness Days: Offer occasional mental health days off to show that you prioritize their well-being.
8. Create a Legacy of Positivity
- Intern Alumni Network: Build a program to keep in touch with former interns, creating goodwill and possibly future hires.
- "Pay it Forward" Initiative: Encourage employees to volunteer in the community or within schools, reinforcing the company's values and their own sense of purpose.
Specific Strategies for Stoic's Setting
Schools
- Partner with schools to host appreciation events for therapists (e.g., "Therapist Appreciation Week").
- Collaborate with school staff to ensure therapists feel supported and integrated into the school community.
Kids and Families
- Highlight feedback from families during staff meetings to reinforce how the team is making a difference.
- Allow employees to have creative input into programming for the children they serve.
Measurement of Success
- Engagement Metrics: Track participation in team-building or development activities.
- Retention Rates: Monitor turnover to identify trends and address dissatisfaction early.
- Employee Feedback: Use surveys or one-on-one check-ins to gauge sentiment about the workplace and areas for improvement.
Visit treesidecapital.com for more details