Staff Team Building Tips - CareforKids.com.au®

Staff Team Building Tips
Recognition and feedback is key!

Child care professionals work long and hard and seldom receive the recognition they deserve for the important work they do. While most managers appreciate the amazing efforts of their staff it can sometimes be hard to find time in the day to actually acknowledge those efforts.

At this time of the year it may seem easiest to simply add a bonus in the pay cheque to thank your team members for their contribution over the course of the year, however some of the simple suggestions below may work even better:

Be sure to acknowledge any staff achievements on a notice board, examples may include completion of further study, promotion, positive feedback from parents etc.
A general staff bulletin board can also be a great way to boost morale, encourage staff to pin up jokes, affirmations, personal achievements, family photos and whatever else they want to share.
Be open and generous with your daily feedback: in the same way that children respond to positive affirmations and compliments adults do too! Simply walking around the playground and telling your employees they are doing a great job will brighten their day.
Consider introducing a Valuable Employee Program to give staff an incentive to go the extra mile. You don't have to provide expensive prizes you just need to take the time to regularly recognise and acknowledge the efforts of your staff members.
Have an open door policy with your staff to ensure they come to you with any issues rather than discussing their problems with colleagues.
Attach a hand written note or card to an employee's pay slip to express your appreciation for their ongoing support and commitment.
Celebrate successes and milestones with your team, bring in a cake, buy a bottle of bubbly to share after hours, host a BBQ at your house over the weekend whatever suits the personalities in your team.
With so many changes facing the child care sector over the next few years it's even more important to keep your staff up-to-date and involved in any new developments. Ask for their comments and feedback and be sure to listen openly and respectfully.

Go to Social.CareforKids.com.au to tell us the things you do to motivate, inspire and acknowledge your staff.