Facilities' Motivation Programs Don't Always

Some months ago, I noticed a nurse-friend had a Care Bear sticker pasted to her uniform. She works in a physician’s office – one of several affiliated with a large health care system. Since she didn’t work in pediatrics, I thought the Care Bear a bit strange. After she explained it, I was angry.

The sticker, she said, was a way of singling her out for a job well done.

Managers throughout her health system, which includes several hospitals, three physician groups and a few other facilities, are recognizing doctors, nurses and ancillary staff with stickers. The Care Bears were in keeping with some theme the system had chosen.

I’m not making this up; I was incredulous – and angry. It was utterly absurd that this health care system was treating adult professionals in such a manner.
But it didn’t end there.

Several months later, a physician in this same health system showed me his latest “reward.” It was a pair of sunglasses that looked as if they had been stolen from Elton John’s closet. The glasses were fire-engine red with long flames jutting out from either side. The doctor said that he’d been given the glasses because someone had nominated him as a “fire-starter” – a person who got things done. (New theme, I guess.)

And that’s not all.

Twice a year, this health care system stages Amway-like rallies at some conference center, then hires buses to haul in system employees from all over the county. Most must take off work to attend, so that leaves other employees (who will go on another day because attendance is mandatory) to carry the load for that day. With the cost of the shuttle buses and rental fees for the facility, these rallies are not inexpensive.

A couple of the physicians have refused to go.

“I don’t need someone telling me why and how I’m doing the job I’m already doing,” said one, “and I don’t need them to tell me I need to be motivated. I already am.”

But the nurses with whom I spoke felt obligated to attend the rallies.

They thought the events were utterly stupid, but feared they’d be penalized at evaluation time if they didn’t go. They also resented being treated like children, and were angry that the health system spent money on these rallies – not to mention these “motivation packages” with their banners, slogans, stickers and silly rewards undoubtedly dreamed up by high-priced consultants.

Do you work in an environment with motivation programs?

If so, do they work?
How do you feel about these programs?

Does your employer demand you take time from work to attend rallies, or attend them on your day off?

Does this made you angry or do you just brush it off?

What do you think?