Budget-friendly Ideas to Celebrate Your ASC Team

Administrators can express their appreciation and gratitude without breaking the bank.

As an ASC administrator, I hold a special place in my heart for the team members who are instrumental in running and elevating the success of our surgery center, and this is the perfect time to show them some gratitude and thanks.

You know the type of people I’m talking about — the staff you can rely on to bring a positive attitude every day, carrying the best interests of the team, the facility, and our patients at the forefront. They willingly take on extra shifts, maintain flexible schedules and gracefully compensate for less experienced colleagues. Their commitment goes beyond the call of duty, and without them, we'd be adrift. Engagement is the key to retaining these invaluable assets, and this can be accomplished even on the tightest of budgets. And don’t be shy about getting other departments involved. Anesthesia and physician providers are usually eager to contribute to celebrations in honor of the exceptional staff who make their lives easier.

Consider these options

With the holidays as a backdrop, December presents an excellent opportunity to celebrate your team and express your gratitude. I find it efficient to use this holiday to ensure that the entire team feels included. Here are a few of my favorite ideas to celebrate and show appreciation:

1. Breakfast Buffet. A fantastic way for leaders to express their appreciation is by preparing and serving a delicious breakfast to the staff. Divide the tasks among your leadership team, with some folks preparing breakfast meats at home (we want to spare our NPO patients the aroma of sizzling bacon), providing side dishes and cooking pancakes to order on griddles during the staff's staggered morning breaks. Consider offering a variety of options to cater to the diverse diets of your team, including fruits, yogurt, rolls, potatoes, scrambled eggs, granola, oatmeal, fruit-infused waters and gourmet coffee creamers.

2. Nacho Bar. This one is a staff favorite and a cost-effective way to treat the entire team. Grab a large box of tortilla chips, a big can of nacho cheese and your favorite fixings and turn it into a team event. Staff members enjoy participating in salsa and chili-cooking contests, and the nacho bar is the perfect setup for these competitions. Use a large crockpot to keep the cheese warm and offer a range of sides such as lettuce, tomatoes, ground beef, shredded chicken, shredded cheese, black beans, jalapenos, avocados and onions. Encourage providers and staff to join in the fun by participating in the voting for contest categories.

3. Thank You Cards. Showing gratitude through thank you notes is something we should never be too busy for. Add a more personal touch in your appreciation plan by sending personalized cards to your staff at their homes. Whether the message is in response to exceptional efforts, work anniversaries or team accomplishments, this is a thoughtful gesture that is always well received. Fostering strong relationships with your staff is pivotal to retaining them long term. Expressing appreciation is an excellent starting point.

ASC leaders are some of the most creative and innovative individuals I know, and there are countless other ways to celebrate our teams and show them our appreciation. Whatever approach you choose, ensure it is sincere, meaningful and inclusive of everyone. After all, you know your ASC is unable to function at its best without your team, so make certain they understand just how vital they are. Otherwise, you may end up truly lost! OSM