You’ve seen them! Help wanted signs everywhere, signs of slow delivery, tapped out supplies and restaurants cutting their hours due to a lack of employees willing to work.
At first it seemed as though this anomaly was caused by Covid and the government’s stimulus money helping some people to earn more staying home than clocking-in. Now that the money, unemployment and stimulus has largely run out, what is causing the extended burn out and difficulty in hiring and maintaining employees at your health department?
Back when I was in 6th grade there was a children’s television show called “Mulligan Stew”. The show was broadcasted on PBS but also made available to teachers to show in class.
One episode that stands out was one called, “The Great Nutrition Turn On”. It dealt with two of the main characters (kids) who secretly visit the town of Lazy Susan to rescue the lethargic locals whose energy had been sapped by poor eating habits.
The issue now is not poor eating and nutrition as much as the word “habit”. It has been said that to create a habit simply do something for three weeks and it will become automatic. Covid and the associated difficulties have been lingering for much longer.
By looking at the basics of why people work, perhaps we can understand how to re-energize your team and hire winners.
On the surface it would seem that people work purely for monetary gain, to pay the bills, feed their families and hopefully save. Digging deeper we know that there are other factors that inspire workers such as social recognition, affirmation, job satisfaction and earning respect.
Two things left out of that list are utilizing skills and ongoing learning. These equal personal development which is a cornerstone of a happy team and a growing interest.
As you look at the employees at your health department ask yourself, “Have I invested in their personal development and training?” If the answer is anything short of an emphatic “yes”, you are missing a simple step that can turn around your group from locals of Lazy Susan to a growing and positive team of winners. Remember, there were more millionaires created during the great depression than ever before. They saw the glass as half full and because the uninspired and weak gave up and cleared-out of their chosen businesses, they were forged in the heat of bad times. When this crisis is over, your team will also be forged in the heat of adversity.
Invest in training, involve your staff in the fun that is marketing your health department. Need help, contact me rick@healthdepartmentmarketing.com