Proven Retention Tips!

The simple act of giving THANK YOU notes to staff has proven to be a positive morale builder and an easy-to-use retention tool. Some managers have the "want to" but complain of "writer's block." Here are a few tips to get started!  

• Blue or black ink offers a more professional appearance than other colors
• Begin with the recipient's name.
• Say Thank You.
• Be specific about the behavior or action you're recognizing:
  • "The extra hours you stayed over to help..."
  • "Your positive attitude in a stressful situation..."
  • "Your willingness to change your schedule..."
  • "Going the extra mile with [patient], [family], [coworker]"
• Be sure to mention the positive impact of their behavior or action:
  • "Your work/dedication made this project a huge success"
  • "Your creative thinking saved our department time/resources"
  • "Your faithfulness to follow-through is a great example"
• Connect their behavior to your organizational mission:
  • "Thanks to you, we're sure to reach our goals!"
  • "Thanks to your efforts, we're on our way to achieving _____"
• Say Thank You again.
• Close your note with a meaningful sign-off:
  • "Keep up the great work, it's being noticed!"
  • Cheers!
  • Best Regards
• Sign your name.
• To add a special flair, consider including a small treat:
  • Peppermint patty or Junior Mints (You're worth a mint!)
  • Roll of lifesaver candy (You're a life-saver!)
  • $100,000 bar (Your efforts are priceless!)
  • Hershey's Nugget (You're such a treasure to have on staff!)
  • Almond Joy (It's a joy to work alongside you!)
  • 3 Musketeers (3 cheers for you/your work)
  • Shoestring licorice (Great job in tying together that project!)
  • Payday bar (Your efforts will lead to great return for patients/our department/ [your organization])
  • M & M's (Thanks for not melting under the pressure)