Staff Days
Years ago in my early days of the library, we had Recognition days, the staff and volunteers would meet for a nice meal and camaraderie at a local restaurant. Prizes would be given, people would congratulate each other and everyone left feeling appreciated. Over the years, this practice disappeared as we were led down the road to professionalism, having your job or volunteering was supposed to be enough to keep you happy and productive. Rewards and recognition was something for the manager, not to be shared with the staff.
In the last three years, I have slowly turned this back and tried very hard to make sure recognition is passed on to everyone that deserves it. I am often told that since becoming Director, the Library has been turned around and great things are happening. I am quick to point out that without my staff and board of directors, none of these wonderful things could have happened. After today's class it is time to bring back this tradition as Staff Day to show the staff and volunteers what their hard work means to me and the community.
Staff Development
The staff is kept up to date with monthly staff meetings, workshops and classes that are offered for free during or after work hours. Delegating different projects to department heads and letting them inform me and the rest of the staff of their progress or lack thereof, has been very good for morale. I know it is not enough, but I keep adding and trying new ideas, keeping the ones that work and moving on with the ones that don't.
It is funny how acceptable practices change over time. Rewards and recognition are a great way to let employees know that they they are valued and to help them feel that what they do doesn't go unnoticed. I had a former boss who always took credit for everything, and no matter how good you did (and how much she was applauded for it), she never said anything along the lines of acknowledging that great employees make a supervisor shine. It was a morale buzz-kill. I am glad that you are bringing back awards and recognitions in your library. People like to feel valued, and it feels unprofessional to not let someone know when they do a really awesome job.
ReplyDelete