Recognition reimagined: New HR programs aim to inspire, recognize employees

As part of its ongoing efforts to acknowledge employee contributions across Michigan Medicine, Human Resources is reimagining all of its recognition programs, consolidating them under a single theme: Inspire.

From the Making a Difference awards to a new, on-the-spot recognition program coming soon, the department is looking to reward and encourage hard-working team members.

“When you recognize employees, you inspire them to continue carrying out the values integral to providing world-class patient care, education or research — such as accountability, teamwork, dedication and commitment,” said JoAnn Grantham, Human Resources recognition manager. “Our programs are designed to inspire colleagues to challenge themselves and emulate this impressive work. In the end, coworkers should always learn from their peers and be inspired by them.”

Formal and informal programs

The Making a Difference awards now utilize the slogan “Be Inspired.”

HR’s new campaign includes both formal and informal recognition programs. The new “Be Inspired” slogan has already debuted with employee profiles in Headlines and as part of the revamped Making a Difference awards, a program that has seen a dramatic rise in participation in recent years.

“We had almost 18,000 Making a Difference nominations in 2017,” said Grantham. “That’s compared to just over 10,000 three years earlier. That 65-percent growth proves that our work to improve employee recognition is certainly working and we hope to keep the momentum going in the months and years ahead!”

Inspire will encompass so much more than Making a Difference and employee profiles, however. It will also become a part of the annual Service Awards, Ice Cream Social and Employee Appreciation Breakfast, among other programs.

Employee profiles in Headlines are also adopting the new recognition slogan.

And the work doesn’t stop there. HR team members will unveil an easy-to-use, on-the-spot recognition tool this year, which will provide leaders with an effective and efficient way to recognize exceptional employees immediately. They will also work closely with departments across the organization to create a more formal recognition program. Stay tuned to Headlines as more information about these initiatives becomes available.

Last month’s standouts

Here’s a closer look at some team members who inspired their peers and earned a Making a Difference award last month:

Grazia Gumina, Interpreter Services

Grazia is an exceptional Spanish translator and a very compassionate person. I had a very complex Spanish-speaking patient and during the hospitalization, I had many lengthy discussions daily with the patient’s parents. It is clear that Grazia’s work is her calling, not just her job. She is extremely responsive, always willing to help, goes above and beyond, and delivers her services in a compassionate, comforting and caring way. I truly believe that she made this family’s difficulties better by her presence and the way she communicated with them. Thank you, Grazia!

Marwa Ayyash, medical student

Marwa acts as a role model in word and deed by opening positive communications to expand and enhance the university’s climate of diversity, equity and inclusion. Her pioneering efforts for the “Ask a Muslim” campaign are inspirational and contribute to a peaceful and harmonious research, educational and medical environment for all. Thank you, Marwa, for going above and beyond each day!

Kathleen McCool, employee communication manager

Kathleen makes a difference by making herself available to advise, consult and facilitate compliance communications whenever she’s asked, even when she’s incredibly busy with her own projects. More importantly, she does so with a smile and a laugh … and always make you feel that your input and suggestions are important and worthwhile. Kathleen is a priceless asset to this organization. Thank you!

Eric Erwin, desktop support specialist, Health Information Technology & Services

Eric went beyond the call of duty when we asked for his assistance, as he not only fixed my computer, but he also fixed my coworkers’ computers without hesitation. With computer issues sometimes difficult to describe over the phone, he came over to our office in person to make sure he knew exactly what needed to be done. Lastly, he followed up the next day to make sure my coworker and my computers were both working properly. Thanks Eric, your work allowed us to do our jobs better and it’s greatly appreciated!