About 10 years ago I went for an interview for an RN position at a home health agency. When I arrived at the agency, the receptionist handed me an application for CNAs. I told her I wasn’t there for a CNA position. I was an RN. Then she gave me the nursing application but with a smirk on her face.
As I was waiting for the job interview, I felt cold. The office environment was cold, the temperature was 65° at least. The staff were walking around in their suits staring at me. I felt like I wasn’t wanted at this agency. I decided at that moment to screw up the interview so that I would not get hired. Then I left and found my dream agency and job.
What I just wrote is the perfect example of Poor Workplace Culture. A culture that was created by non-acceptance and assumptions. What does Workplace Culture or Agency culture mean and how does it affect staff and potential staff?
Workplace culture or Agency culture determines the value and charm of your agency. However, despite its importance, culture can be easy to overlook and difficult to define. The culture of an agency is determined by the agency’s leader. Yes, you set the tone. Take the time to look around your agency and observe how it is operating. As you observe, ask yourself the following: What are the common behaviors of my staff? What are the annual evaluations like? Would my staff go somewhere else if they had the opportunity? Do I see a disconnect between the field staff and the office staff? Is there a lot of gossip or distrust among my staff?
What should you do if you need to turn your agency around that will bring in the right staff that will stay and help your agency grow? Here is a small list.
Have monthly or quarterly get-togethers.
Team Building events once or twice a year.
Live-in services for networking
Provide a quality Orientation program (5 days at least).
Review annual staff, referral, and client satisfaction questionnaire
2-week follow-up to see how the PCW and client are interacting with one another
90-day pay raise for great work, even if it is a $2-5.00 increase in hourly wages.
Create a Positive Workplace by promoting positive behavior.
Assist your staff in learning how to work with people from other cultures.
Hire more people from diverse backgrounds.