Sterile processing (SP) leaders face immense pressure managing production demands, teams, and high-stakes decisions to ensure safe, high-quality services are provided. Still, in the rush of daily demands, leaders must remember the importance of creating an empathetic culture and showing gratitude for their hard-working employees.
Leading with empathy and gratitude not only improves team dynamics, but it can also create a ripple effect of positive outcomes. Research suggests that leaders who demonstrate empathy and express gratitude regularly see a significant boost in employee morale, engagement, and retention rates.1 This is crucial in an industry where turnover can deeply affect operational efficiency and patient outcomes. Creating an empathetic culture begins with empathetic SP leaders. When they model desired behaviors, those behaviors permeate the department. Employees deserve to feel seen and heard and know that their leaders support their needs. Leaders who convey empathy in their interactions with others and demonstrate that they value an individual's well-being as much as their ability to perform their duties will more likely benefit from a satisfied, quality-focused team.
Prioritizing empathy begins with hiring and onboarding processes. It should be reflected in recruitment practices and carried into job descriptions, highlighting potential new hires as human beings, not just employees expected to fulfill a role. Benefits packages can reflect the facility’s commitment to their employees, and leaders should carry that into how they recognize, value, and reward employees in the department. Staff members should also be encouraged to demonstrate empathy among their peers, which promotes collaboration and team cohesion and creates a workplace where all are shown respect, encouragement, and compassion.
Showing gratitude can also help leaders stay grounded in challenging times because it serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication being provided. A recent study revealed that employees who feel appreciated are 2.7 times more likely to be highly engaged at work. In healthcare, where burnout is high, this engagement is a key factor in reducing turnover.2
Creating a culture of empathy and gratitude
To help SP professionals feel more valued, recognized, and appreciated in the workplace, leaders should consider:
- Seeking employees’ input and soliciting their ideas and feedback.
- Celebrating individual and team successes (this needn’t involve grand gestures; a written thank-you note and verbal congratulations during team meetings can be effective).
- Sharing positive feedback whenever an opportunity presents itself; providing public thanks will encourage others in the department to model similar behavior among their peers.
- Asking employees how they can be supported to facilitate professional growth.
- Being available to help when employees are struggling personally or professionally.
- Holding periodic recognition ceremonies where employees nominate colleagues for awards (consider providing customized trophies or other personalized items).
- Rewarding the team with group events that can strengthen bonds (e.g., End-of-year holiday party, shift breakfasts or lunches).
Conclusion
Successful leaders create a supportive work environment where gratitude and empathy are expressed routinely. As a result, employees tend to be more engaged, satisfied, and optimistic about the work they do each day. Empathetic, appreciative leaders also benefit from improved team dynamics, reduced staff burnout, and improved retention.
David Taylor
David L. Taylor, MSN, RN, CNOR is an independent hospital and ambulatory surgery center consultant and the principal of Resolute Advisory Group LLC, in San Antonio, Texas.
