…to recognize every staff member across the CIUSSS, and engage each of you fully—head, heart and hands.
“We created a logo for the new CIUSSS Employee Engagement and Recognition program that represents our shared purpose, to deliver the highest quality of care,” says Francine Levi, who co-leads the Human Resources initiative with Melanie Rudnitsky. “It’s a tall order, one that engages our mind (head), our compassion (heart) and our dedication (hands),” she explains.
“Of course to fulfill this vision, we have to feel nurtured ourselves,” adds Ms. Rudnitsky. “That’s why the Head, Heart, Hands program will motivate us on each of these levels.”
“It will stimulate our intellect, for example through staff training and development opportunities. It will address our emotional needs, with staff appreciation events to mark momentous occasions, such as long-service or retirement. And it will reinforce our commitment, through initiatives that enable us to achieve a work-life balance, that will strengthen our sense of belonging to a team, and that will invigorate us through activities such as mindfulness or fitness classes.”
Head, Heart, Hands is all ears
The leaders of the Head, Heart, Hands program hit the ground running, touring eight sites in the weeks following the program’s launch this fall, with other visits planned on a regular basis.
“Everyone we met with was very forthcoming,” notes Ms. Rudnitsky, who adds that opinions expressed by staff are received in confidence. “Whether they shared the good or the bad, they knew that we were there to hear them out, so they were very receptive and pleased to see us.”
The duo met staff on the ground throughout the CIUSSS, says Ms. Levi, because their input and insights will serve as a foundation for Head, Heart, Hands. “To develop the most meaningful program, one that will build trust, build morale, and build connections among staff—we went straight to the source.”
“There is no question that we’ve gone through a transition in recent years, and staff have to learn a new approach to doing things,” she adds. “To those feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, we’re here to help restore your feelings of appartenance.”
Ms. Levi and Ms. Rudnitsky invite staff to consider:
• How has your manager recently recognized your hard work?
• How would you like to be recognized for a job well done?
• What activities most appeal to you as part of a wellness program (for example, fitness classes, meditation sessions, team challenges or competitions)?
The engagement mailbox is always open to your ideas at engagement.ccomtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca.
