Adding a Personal Touch to Recognition
Duke Appreciation Encourages Department Events
Something special is happening in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine — Anne Pippen felt it, especially during her 15-minute chair massage.
"It felt so good," said Pippen, a laboratory research analyst.
The massages, given in February by Ben Franklin with LIVE FOR LIFE, were part of an ongoing employee appreciation effort for the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, courtesy of the division.
Karen Riches, who is organizing the annual Duke Appreciation events in May, hopes other departments at Duke will follow the lead of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and plan special department events in May to coincide with Duke Appreciation as a way to thank faculty and staff and recognize their efforts.
"When recognition comes directly from a supervisor, it's most meaningful to employees and it helps build a stronger relationship between them," said Riches, employee services representative with Staff & Family Programs in Duke Human Resources.
This year, Duke Appreciation stretches over the month of May, instead of a week. Organizers said the extension creates more opportunities for recognition and celebration and promotes a sense of community among faculty and staff.
Family Fun Day is 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. May 19 and will include more rides and live entertainment. Lunch on the Quad is 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 21. Based on input from staff, vegetarian and light food options will also be available in limited quantities during both events.
"We encourage everyone to attend Lunch on the Quad and Family Fun Day," Riches said. "We want people to feel a sense of belonging to the Duke Community by sharing memorable experiences with colleagues, friends and family."
Duke Appreciation organizers are also aiming for more work-group expressions of thanks with departments adding their own events, which, for example, may include a professional development opportunity or supervisor joining faculty or staff for lunch. Individual departments cover costs associated with their event.
Pippen, who has worked in the cardiovascular division 11 years, said events in her department, which also included a financial planning seminar and delivery of cookies and milk, improved morale. "I think it would be great if it's more than just a phase," she said.
Suzanne Blankfard, human resources manager for the Cardiovascular Division, spearheaded her department's ongoing appreciation to increase retention and connect employees.
"We want our staff to know we're looking out for them," Blankfard said. "Satisfaction within the work environment is a big reason people choose to stay with an employer for the long term."
By Elizabeth Michalka
Writer, Human Resources Communications
(This article originally ran in Working@Duke
in April.)
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