Bad Morale ? What does your employer do ?

[mikeymedic1984]

What do you or your employer do to keep morale up at work ?

[akflightmedic]

Beatings--they will continue until morale improves.

[Just Plain Ruff]

Beer Fridays!!! Seriously, one of my previous employers honestly did this and the beer was free.

But seriously, not many employers I've worked with have done much on keeping morale up. It was left to the individual employee.

I'm not currently working in EMS right now but my current employer has a once a year company meeting where employees and spouses (kids are allowed but are supposed to be not seen) trip is paid for all expenses.

Here is where they are sending us this october.

www.paradisepoint.com

WE are taking the entire family for three days prior and three days post meeting. It's our first family vacation in 5 years that we've actually been able to get off work with no client responsibilities of mine. Staying in a bungalow.

Other than this company meeting, my company provides no other morale boosting items either.

[Chief1C]

When I'm feeling down.. I order stuff, that improves my morale. Even if it's just a case of nasal cannula's. ttlysrs. I dunno why, but if I'm feeling low in morale, buying equipment makes me feel better. I've never received anything out of appreciation. In fact, just last night I stayed really late and did a bunch of paperwork. I mean, I'd have to do it anyway, but... Shit, now I'm depressed.

So, anyhoo, what was my reward for staying really late? PSP pulled me over for having a blown license plate illumination device. I'll take a beer? You buying?

[BushyFromOz]

My employer denies theres a problem then blames us for having bad morale

[akflightmedic]

In all seriousness, here is what I do or have done (keep in mind I only have 40 employees currently) :

1. I authorize pizza at my different locations for the monthly staff meeting

2. I give an end of the year bonus to every employee

3. I have handed out gift cards as "Instant Recognitions" for job well done

4. I have authorized extra time off (paid) while on leave

5. I encourage employee input-may not follow it, but I will listen and provide feedback on why or why not

6. I am starting a profit share plan

For the most part, I have very high morale on my projects. I have people who like coming to work and I always have plenty of referrals and people wanting to work for me as a result. It is a small cost now for a long term gain corporate wise as I have less turn over which reduces expenditures.

[Bieber]

Ak, I'm interested in hearing more about that "profit share plan". It sounds like you do quite a lot to keep morale up within your service. How do you find the funding for it? Or is that a non-issue for you?

Unfortunately, right now the budget crunch has made it difficult for my service to dole out any sort of rewards or pay incentives for performance or morale. I know they're talking about implementing an awards pin type of program, though its slow to come. For someone who's placated by more liberal protocols and an increased opportunity for advancement, the service is a dream right now; but most of our staff are more interested in pay raises which won't be coming anytime soon.

[island emt]

We do steak & lobster nights and have a training after the meal.

this morning the area hospitals did a 4 hr Con Ed with breakfast provided and snacks.

End of the year christmas bonus depending on activities and senority. Everyone like a little extra cash for the holidays!

[akflightmedic]

Ak, I'm interested in hearing more about that "profit share plan". It sounds like you do quite a lot to keep morale up within your service. How do you find the funding for it? Or is that a non-issue for you?

Unfortunately, right now the budget crunch has made it difficult for my service to dole out any sort of rewards or pay incentives for performance or morale. I know they're talking about implementing an awards pin type of program, though its slow to come. For someone who's placated by more liberal protocols and an increased opportunity for advancement, the service is a dream right now; but most of our staff are more interested in pay raises which won't be coming anytime soon.

Through a lot of hard work, it is becoming a non-issue. My company will soon be celebrating its 2nd year of service and all through the pre-start up and the actual launch to include the first year, I relied heavily on my people doing whatever it took to ensure I was successful. I owe them and I owe all those who come after. They took low wages, they gambled on my ideas, and they gave 100% so they could be part of something "new".

I am one of those liberal-socialist types and I do give away quite a bit.

The profit sharing is a set % of profit is allocated to the employees and shared amongst all of them. It motivates them to continue working hard, especially now that I am still growing and dumping more and more on them each day.

[Kiwiology]

I have low morale because AK has not hired me yet

Seriously there has been low morale in the Ambulance Service for years here mostly around lack of funding, remuneration, management culture, rosters etc but the problem is consistently denied as really being a problem so little is done or will be done in the forseeable future