10 Ways to Thank the Caregivers on Your Team

Here are 10 ways to thank your homemakers, companions, non-medical caregivers, transportation workers, and anyone else on your team who recognition.

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There is a special week in June set aside to thank your CNAs. Nurses get thanked in May. Unpaid, family caregivers are recognized in November.

But there is no official month, week, or even a day set aside to thank all those non-medical caregiver heroes on your team.

So, here are 10 ways to thank your homemakers, companions, non-medical caregivers, transportation workers, and anyone else on your team who NEEDS a thank you, a pat-on-the-back, or just a little something to let them know you are glad they’re on your team.

1. Give Unexpected Gifts.

A Harvard Business School study found that giving unexpected financial gifts to employees leads to higher productivity. The research found that, “Gifts are roughly as efficient as hiring more workers.” Imagine the positive impact of giving a grocery store gift card to a single mother or a pre-paid gas card to young student working her way through school.

2. Thank You Notes.

Heartfelt thank you notes let your Caregivers know they are worth your time and attention. Write your own, or DOWNLOAD these easy templates to spread your gratitude! Try printing them on thick paper or card stock. Then, on the back, jot down some words of appreciation for each of your caregivers. Here are a couple of ideas:

• Praise them for their outstanding client care.
• Let a a new Caregiver know that you recognize improvement.
• Acknowledge loyalty for those Caregivers who are longtime employees.

3. Company Merch / SWAG.

Everyone loves t-shirts, coffee mugs, tote bags and water bottles! Offering your Caregivers free company apparel and other logo merchandise can be a simple, inexpensive way to say, “We like having you on our team!”

4. Take time to Train.

Investing in mobile-friendly e-learning lets your Caregivers know they are a vital part of the healthcare team. Here are 5 Important Training Topics for Professional Caregivers in 2018.

5. Education Reimbursements.

Offer to pay all or part of your Caregivers’ tuition to obtain certification or advanced training at your local community college. For example, provide reimbursement for non-medical caregivers to get CNA certification. This will give your staff the satisfaction of remaining with your organization while increasing their skills and salary.

6. Company Picnic (with families).

A Company Picnic is a great time for your team to include their whole family in a work-related get-together! Sharing family and friendships with your employer and co-workers helps deepen connections and motivates everyone to put their best foot forward every day.

7. Sweets & Treats.

Everyone loves to get a little “spoiled” with sweets and treats. Surprise your team with occasional treats. But, instead of the usual chain-store donuts, make it something they wouldn’t normally get for themselves. Here are a few ideas: Fancy pastries from a local bakery, Bagels and Cream Cheese, Dove ® Dark Chocolate.

8. Spoil Them with Scrubs.

Consider offering a reimbursement, (yearly or quarterly) for your staff to purchase one new scrub top. Or, arrange a small area in your office to hang a collection of free scrubs for your staff to take as needed. They could be new or gently used from a local thrift store.

9. Start a Recognition Program.

Create one (or more) awards to give out monthly. Here are a few ideas:

• Caregiver of the Month – In recognition of client praise received or nominated by other staff.
• Zero Absences – When the Caregiver has no unexcused absences for the entire month.
• Most Helpful – In recognition of a team member who is always willing to lend a helping hand.
• Create Your Own – Think of a behavior you want to reinforce and create an award for it!

10. Share Praise from Clients.

Send requests to your clients to recognize Caregivers who have given them great care. Share the praise you receive with your whole team.

How do you thank your Caregivers?

These are just ten ways you might thank your important caregiving team. Surely, there are thousands more! Share your creative ideas in the comments below! The more ideas, the better!