3 Tips to Develop a More Inclusive Work Environment Across All Shifts

When Ebony Mitchell-Wallace, MSN, RN, BSH, transitioned to her off-shift team, she immediately felt different. “There was a consistent feeling of isolation and being under-valued. I began to share in a collective question among my off-shift colleagues: ‘What about us?’”

She soon identified an area of exclusion in nursing practice she had not recognized: staff members who work evenings, nights, or weekends can feel less included, and less apt to bring their authentic self and ideas to work.

Determined to rally her colleagues working across all shifts, Mitchell-Wallace successfully led efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive perioperative team. When we learned that Mitchell-Wallace would share these ideas at a session at AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo in March, 2024, we asked her to tell us how she did it.

She shared with us the tips her team discovered to effectively unite the dayshift and off-shift staff.

1. Avoid Imposing Conformity

Inclusion involves everyone being allowed to professionally be their authentic self. But it was not uncommon for staff on the day shift to question why off-shift staff members choose not to work during the day. "We raised this question openly at a combined nurse and surgical technologist unit practice council meeting to discuss the negative impacts this could cause."

2. Encourage the 3 C’s (Curiosity, Commitment, and Courage)

Without visible evidence and knowledge of what others do, it can be more difficult to recommend or even acknowledge their contributions. So, we installed an electronic brag board. This gave all staff a chance to post and view staff accomplishments, kudos, celebrations, and commendations from surgeons and colleagues.

“We also engaged all shifts in team bonding activities such as creating murals to promote relaxation and expression together. Outside of work, we organized team social events such as attending sports events and volunteering in the community. And in our practice setting, we increased the presence of all shifts on organizational councils and committees.”

3. Reinforce Your Organizational Diversity Strategy

It's crucial to consider actions that team members across all shifts can take to contribute meaningfully to and influence organizational success. We learned that this can involve simple yet powerful actions such as maintaining a positive attitude, sharing information, and supporting one another.

Ebony Mitchell-Wallace, BSN, RN, BSH, will share more of these tips at her education session “Don't Forget About Us” at AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo in Nashville, March 9–12.