Abstract
This paper is focused on the importance of recognizing staff in the healthcare industry through the development and implementation of an incentive bonus program. Beginning at childhood and continuing into work life as an adult, recognition and incentives play a crucial role to reinforcing desired behaviors. Recognition is important to build morale, professional relationships, and achieve consistent levels of growth in performance. The healthcare industry is undergoing constant change in the threat of disruption, which is compounded by staff shortages and turnover. Employees need to be recognized and rewarded for their role in the delivery of service and quality excellence. Financial incentives as recognition can help increase performance and motivation, improve patient safety and quality, and achieve greater financial sustainability. When financial incentives are not implemented correctly, it can lead to team disintegration, a magnified focus on monetary gain, and ultimate dependence for future performance. Taking these into account, developing an incentive program must be aligned with the goals of the organization, be grounded in reliable and objective data, be financially sustainable, and allow for individual impact, all while focusing on a collaborative team approach. If implemented correctly with clear communication and clarity, appropriate measurement and tracking along with action planning for future results, a staff incentive bonus program is a vital component to employee recognition to drive the performance goals of the organization. This will further the ultimate purpose in patient care; to ensure sustained improvement of both clinical and service quality excellence.
This resource is found in our Actionable Strategies for Health Organizations: Meaningful Rewards & Recognition (Meaningful Recognition)
