for a great workplace
Introduction by Jacqui Roynon. Director of People & Voice
Ice cream van (Season Summer)
Personalised cookies (can be done anytime)
Pizza days (can be done anytime)
Thank you, cards & gifts (can be done anytime)
Keyrings (can be done any time)
Strengths Library (skills audit!) (can be done any time)
Celebration days/Special Moments (ongoing, regular activity)
Colleague of the Month - Prize Draw approach (ongoing, regular activity)
Colleague of the Month - Bingo approach (ongoing, regular activity)
Colleague of the Month - Electronic Nominations approach (ongoing, regular activity)
Colleague of the Month - Values Tree approach (ongoing, regular activity)
Colleague of the Month - Values Board approach (ongoing, regular activity)
Drop-in sessions for new colleagues (ongoing, regular activity)
Getting creative with gifted items (Christmas time activity)
Section 2 - Personal Wellness
Colleague Wellbeing box (ongoing activity)
Food Larder (ongoing activity)
Wellbeing Check In’s (ongoing activity)
Section 3 - Events
Culture day (can be done any time or around notable cultural dates)
Dress up days (Can be done any time)
Fundraising ideas (Can be done any time)
Mocktail Bar (Can be done any time)
Music Bingo Night (Can be done any time)
Pre-Christmas lunch (November)
Team Parties (Can be done any time)
Team Sports Day (Spring/Summer)
Introduction
Welcome to the first edition of our ‘Little Book of Ideas‘ which is a compilation of activities that have been initiated by our highly creative leadership teams from across Trust Services, as a way of engaging, recognising and motivating team members
Feeling valued and appreciated by our manager, not only contributes to our overall wellbeing, but we’re also less likely to leave a role We also know that working in social care is fastpaced, full of deadlines and it can be difficult to find the time to think of new ways to engage and recognise our colleagues
That’s why, in response to a suggestion directly from operational colleagues, we have compiled this brochure which is filled with employee engagement initiatives which have been tried and tested by your colleagues Not every opportunity will be suitable for all homes and schemes but by collating a range of ideas we hope there is something to suit every service Each opportunity has been designed to give a brief outline of what it is, what’s involved and top tips for how to approach it. We’ve included details of the author of each opportunity in case you would find it useful to chat it through with someone who has already successfully done it
This brochure will evolve over time, and we plan to refresh its contents every six months Your experiences and contributions are invaluable; if you've experimented with an idea and wish to build upon it, we welcome your insights to develop these opportunities further If you've introduced a successful engagement initiative not featured here, please share it with us for inclusion in the next edition You can do this by emailing the Engagement and Wellbeing Working Group at wellness@osjct co uk
With thanks and best wishes
Jacqui Roynon Director of People & Voice
Section 1 Recognition and celebration
Ice cream van
An opportunity to say thank you to your employees by arranging an ice cream van to attend the home/scheme on a hot day and purchasing an ice cream for all.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of organising and cost
Best time to implement
During the summer months, particularly effective during a hot spell!
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 1 hour to phone around to arrange for an ice cream seller to come to the home
Budget:
Taken from petty cash budget – costs less than £100 00 (depending on size of home), we suggest agreeing a spend with the ice cream seller beforehand
TOP TIPS
Celebrate Success:
It’s an opportunity to say a personal thank you to each colleague for all the great work they do as they are collecting their ice cream from the van
Results and outcomes
Colleagues feel valued, especially when done as an off the cuff activity, as it makes it more meaningful
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
Kelly Edwards, Home Manager at Coombe End Court and Renata Crisostomo, Area Operations Manager (Oxfordshire) have done this activity for their teams
Personalised cookies
A cookie with each colleague’s name piped on is an opportunity to show appreciation and say a personalised thank you from the senior leadership team.
Level of ease
EASY – costs are minimal, allow time for your senior leadership team to hand out the cookies so they can say a personal thank you and show their appreciation
Best time to implement
Can be implemented anytime of the year, but particularly impactful during Professional Carers Week
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 7 hours of the chef’s time spread across a few days to cook and pipe the cookies
Approx 2-3 hours for the senior leadership team time to distribute the cookies and chat to the team
Budget
Cookies made within the catering budget, so minimal cost.
Materials:
Clear bags/wrap to cover cookies to keep fresh
TOP TIPS
Engagement:
Discuss with your chef/cook, involve them in the planning, agreeing timelines for the baking and wrapping to ensure cookies remain fresh
Agree with your chef/cook what resources they will need
Discuss with your senior leadership team the best way to distribute the cookies, consider dressing up the tea trolley to wheel around the home/scheme to have a bit of fun and create a buzz
Results and outcomes
Celebrate success:
Ensure each cookie is personally handed to colleagues by one of the senior leadership team rather than them helping themselves This will enable them to give personal thanks for all their hard work and explain how they make a difference to residents irrespective of what role they have in the home
By personalising cookies, colleagues felt valued and appreciated as they were given individually by the senior leadership team
Customisation
Can be adapted for any occasion, for example to welcome new colleagues to the team or to celebrate individuals completing their care certificate.
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
If you require any further information, please contact Renata Crisostomo Peripatetic Area Operations Manager (Oxfordshire) who has done this opportunity, engaging her colleagues by organising personalised cookies for them all
Pizza days
This opportunity can be done on an adhoc basic. Simply order pizzas to be delivered to the home/scheme across a couple of days and nights to say thank you and show appreciation, especially good to do after a successful audit or CQC inspection. This is a great way of recognising and celebrating any achievements to maintain motivation.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of organisation, time, and cost
Best time to implement
Can be implemented anytime of the year, especially good to do to celebrate a good audit result or CQC inspection
Resources needed
Time:
A few hours taken by the senior leadership team to deliver the pizza across households and spend time with colleagues
Budget:
Taken from petty cash budget – less than £50 (dependant on size of home) Always worth checking My Reward or the Bluelight Card to see if they are offering any discounts on pizza delivery
TOP TIPS
Engagement:
Involve your senior leadership team and agree what time of day is best time to get pizzas delivered
Brief the senior leadership team on shift when the delivery will arrive, so they can ensure they are available to deliver the pizzas to the different households and to give their personal thanks to the team
Ensure you arrange a delivery for the night team, consider giving the night team a call around the time you have arranged the delivery to say a personal thank you
Results and outcomes
Teams feel recognised and due to the ad hoc nature of the gesture it feels like appreciation is more sincere Great for a motivation boost
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
If you require any further information on this opportunity contact Doreen Paisley, Home Manager, Monkscroft Care Centre
Thank you cards & gifts
Thank you cards and small gifts are a great way to show appreciation for the work colleagues do in the home/scheme, it is also a good way to recognise an individual for a specific job or task they’ve done that has made a particular difference.
Taking the time to write a card rather than verbally saying thank you, allows you time to personalise the message and allows the colleague to reread and reflect on the message. It’s a good way to demonstrate your gratitude and creates a culture of recognition and motivation.
Level of ease
MODERATE – in terms of cost and time
Best time to implement
Ongoing opportunity – Can be implemented anytime of the year
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 1 hour each week to purchase food items, gift cards and thank you cards
Approx 30 minutes each day for care leader/head of departments to complete a reflective account at the end of their shift with the colleagues on duty
Approx 1 hour week of the Home Managers time to write cards and celebrate success with colleagues
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Communicatewithyourseniorleadership team,careleaders about howtheycan recognisecolleaguesandtheimportance of beingconsistent.
Engagement:
Discusswithyourcareleadersandheadsof departmenttocompleteareflectiveaccount attheendofeach shiftwiththecolleagues ondutythatday,thiswillenablethemto recognisewhena colleaguememberhas doneagreatjobandwillbeabletopass the informationonto theHomeManager.
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
Budget:
Moneyfrompettycashtopurchasethankyou gifts-biscuits,cakes,chocolatesetc.
Moneyfrompettycashtopurchasegiftcards i.e.,£5.00.
Materials:
Thankyou,cards,purchased forexamplefrom AmazonoryoucouldusetheTrustones (whichcanberequestedfromTheHRHub)
Costofa Noticeboardincolleagueareaifyou choosetodisplayphotos.
Celebratesuccess:
Purchase biscuits/cakes/chocolates for each household/floorapprox.every 2weekswitha card simply sayingThank you.Do notforget your night and auxiliary colleagues.
If you are recognising an individual team member,ensure thisisdoneinatimely manner.
Take lots of photosanddisplay a collageina colleaguearea.
The leadership team at Edwardstow Court have successfully implemented this initiative should you require further information
Keyrings
During Professional Care Workers Week, instead of the usual chocolate or gift voucher, each colleague receives a key ring as a token of appreciation. This small gesture not only helps to express gratitude but highlights the importance of all roles, whether in direct care, housekeeping, or maintenance, every colleague has a positive impact on resident wellbeing. It aims to remind them that their contributions truly make a difference, encouraging them to take pride in their valuable work.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of time to organise and cost.
Best time to implement
Can be implemented anytime of the year, but Professional Carers Week in September is excellent timing
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 2 hours for the colleague researching gift ideas, this includes the time it takes to share the choices and pick the gift with the leadership team
Approx 1 day to prepare the key rings as a gift, including writing names of all colleagues on accompanying card
Approx 3 hours spread across the leadership team, this is the time it takes to present the keyring on the designated day
Budget:
The cost of each keyring – we spent approximately £1 00 per colleague, selecting the keyrings from Amazon We used the petty cash budget
Materials:
A list of all colleagues, the Key ring itself, and name cards/gift tags to use to write the colleagues name on
TOP TIPS
Engagement:
Discuss with your senior leadership team ideas for what thank you gift to give, consider what’s both practical but also meaningful in terms of showing your appreciation
If you have an interested colleague (s) ask them to source a selection of gifts so the senior leadership team can select the best option
Celebrate success:
Senior leadership should say a personal thank you when giving the keyring to each colleague recognising the work they do and for the residents
Results and outcomes
The Keyring was presented to each colleague separately, with a personal thank you Feedback was that the keyring meant a lot because it is personal, thoughtful and practical
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
If you would like more information or guidance on this initiative, Doreen Paisley from Monkscroft Care Centre has successfully done this opportunity.
Strengths Library (skills audit!)
An opportunity to invite colleagues to share any hobbies or interests that they could showcase by running a resident activity or if the hobby is a craft, to showcase their crafts at Summer/Christmas Fairs, this help colleagues to feel valued as it demonstrates that we’re interested in something they are enthusiastic and passionate about doing.
Some examples from one of our homes:
A member of the team makes wreaths and will showcase these at a Christmas Fair the home is holding.
Team member makes jewellery in her own time and will showcase these at a Christmas Fair in the home.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of cost and implementation
Best time to implement
Ongoing opportunity. This can be implemented at any time of the year, but ideally around any seasonal fairs/events you are holding in the home
Resources needed
Time:
The time it takes for senior leadership teams to hold 121 discussions
Approx 2 hours of senior leadership team to log hobbies/interests in a document entitled Strengths Library and agree how it can be used and kept up to date
Budget:
Depending on the hobby/activity – take funds from the activity budget
Materials:
Dependent upon the activity
Communication:
Ensure colleagues are well informed about any events, how they can become involved, always use a variety of communication methods, i e , Posters, handovers, email, WhatsApp etc
Celebrate Success:
Thank colleagues that get involved, for their support. Shout about successes, perhaps display pictures in the home or share with Marketing.
Engagement:
Discuss the initiative with your senior leadership team ask them to have 121 conversations with each of their team to find out their hobbies or activities they are enthusiastic about and if appropriate how that can be put to use for the benefit of the home
Customisation
A strengths library could also be used to match up team members hobbies/ interests with residents’ hobbies/interests, good opportunity to have meaningful moments and activities between residents and colleagues
Results and outcomes
Having an interest in colleague’s hobbies and highlighting how they are transferable to help support our residents, helps people feel special and valued They can share what is important to them and what they enjoy doing with the rest of the team, residents, and resident families
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
Contact Grace Care Centre if you would like any further guidance on how to proceed with a strength library
Celebration days/Special moments
An opportunity to recognise and celebrate a special day or achievement, whether that be a birthday, long service, completing the care certificate, going on parental leave plus many more.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of ease
Best time to implement
Anytime of the year, as and when celebration days occur
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 1 hour each month of senior leadership time, planning, purchasing, and celebrating with colleagues
Budget:
Depending on number of celebrations in the month – flowers/chocolates/cake less than £5 00 per person
Materials:
Sturdy box to place products in
Cost of a Notice board to display photographs should you choose to display your special moments
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Consider taking photos of your colleagues during their celebration day and displaying photos as a collage for all colleagues to see
If you choose to celebrate colleagues’ birthdays, collate a list of anyone that wishes to opt out of celebrating at work
Celebrate success:
Celebrate at a convenient time so not rushed, present them with card/gift/ certificate etc, and make them feel special.
Results and outcomes
Engagement:
At the beginning of each month senior leadership team should meet to collate any upcoming celebrations, so you can arrange to purchase cards/cakes /flowers etc
Chat to your chef about whether they can bake a cake if you decide not to buy one
Discuss with your senior leadership team on the day of the celebration/special moment to ensure as many people as possible can attend
Opportunity is simple to do, and celebrating a special moment/achievement can mean a lot to someone and shows that you care, can really help peoples sense of belonging and helps motivate them
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
If you would like further guidance or have questions about this opportunity contact: Kelly Edwards, Home Manager at Coombe End Court, or Natalie Leigh at Moorside Place (ECH)
Colleague of the Month
–
Prize Draw approach
A simple engagement activity you can run monthly, which is a good way to recognise the work of colleagues and celebrate success.
Colleagues nominate each other (using a colleague of the month nomination form) when they witness something being done well or an action that has made a real difference to someone All forms are entered into a draw, one is then pulled out at random to win colleague of the month
All non winning nomination forms are re-entered into the prize draw each month Once a nomination form gets pulled out, that colleague does not get put back into the draw for the remainder of the year, to give greater opportunity to other team members This also gives all colleagues a chance to win as some roles are not as visible as others
Level of ease
EASY – easy to implement in terms of both time and cost
Best time to implement
This opportunity can be implemented at anytime of the year, although we found January a good time to begin, as it allowed us to create a 12 month calendar style poster sharing a photo of each winning colleague every month
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 1 hour each month to hold the, announce the winner and hold a small team celebration
Approx 30 minutes each month if opting to enter all colleagues to ensure any new colleagues are entered into the draw and colleagues who have left are removed
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Ensure all colleagues are aware of the initiative letting them know in a variety of ways e g , display posters, send emails, via any team WhatsApp groups you may use, team handovers and 10@10’s
Ensure that forms and pens are available in colleague areas for ease of nominating, along with guidelines of how to nominate
Engagement:
Involve the team, ask how they would like colleague of the month to run opportunity to be run.
If the team opt for nominating other colleagues when they have seen them go an extra mile, ensure this is discussed at handovers to keep the momentum going
Budget:
We spend between £5 to £10 each month and take it from petty cash fund
Materials:
Create space in a colleague only area for nomination forms and box to put displayed, and where people can complete forms easily in for readiness of monthly draw
A frame or notice board where you can display the photo of the colleague of the month
Lead from the top, if you see a colleague go above and beyond complete a nomination form
Celebrate success:
Draw a name out of the colleague of the month prize draw in a timely manner – it may be good to choose a specific day each month i.e. The first Friday of each month, this will help managers to delegate the draw to a senior member of the team should they need to.
Ensure the colleague you have drawn is aware as soon as possible, recognise and celebrate their achievements with them by awarding them with a gift, taking a photo of them receiving their award
Communicate to the rest of the team who has won and why they were nominated to make the colleague feel special
Results and outcomes
Colleagues feel valued that they are being recognised motivated to go above and beyond
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
Home Managers Michelle Cross from Ermine House and Kelly Edwards from Coombe End Court are two of the managers who run colleague of the month should you require any further guidance.
Colleague of the Month
– Bingo approach
Team members to record their own name or another colleague’s name over the course of the month against an activity they have completed or seen completed as outlined on the bingo card.
Once the colleague member has completed a row either vertically or horizontally, they will be entered into the colleague of the month draw
Fantastic opportunity for the team to recognise what they and others are doing and how it makes a difference, boosts morale, team competitiveness and fun at work, alongside the management team being able to celebrate the work they do and to motivate the team
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of implementation set up and maintaining
Best time to implement
Can be implemented anytime of the year.
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 1 hour each month from senior leadership to collate activity ideas for the bingo cards
Approx 15 minutes each day discussing with colleagues about how they are getting on
Approx 1 hour each month to administer colleague of the month, including selecting a prize
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Communicateclearlytotheteamaboutthe initiativeand how theycanbeenteredinto thecolleagueof themonthdraw.
Useavariety ofwaysofcommunicatingi.e., Poster,WhatsApp,Handovers,emailsetc.
Engagement:
Discusswithyourcareleadersandheadsof departmenttocomeupwithideasofwhat activitiesshouldbeon thebingocards, considerhavingaselectionofactivitieswhich involveresidentsandaselectionwhich reflectsourvalues oreven anactivityyou wanttofocuson thatmonthi.e.,ELearning. Suggestionwould be tohavenineactivities. Threeacross,three down.
Newbingocardsto becompletedeach month,ifyouandmanagementteamchoose torepeatsomeof theactivitiesputitina differentplaceonthebingocard.
Results and outcomes
Budget:
Moneytopurchaseprizeforthewinnerof ColleagueoftheMonthoutofpettycashfund.
Materials:
Noticeboard/areatodisplaytheactivities,each activitytobetypedonA4sizepaperand laminatedwithawipeablepennearby.Some suggestionsofactivitiesare–learnsomething newaboutacolleague,Ihavecompletedallmy Elearning,Itookaresidentforawalkinthe garden,Ihaveupdatedaresident‘Allabout Me,’IhavegivenmycolleagueanITMfordoing somethinggreat.
Boxtosubmitthenominationnamesintothe monthlyprizedraw.
Askat shifthandover/ during121 conversations how colleaguesaregetting on, to promote and encourageparticipation
Celebratesuccess:
Recognise when a colleaguehas completeda line (or is close!)
At the start of each month, askacolleagueto pull out a winner fromabox
Celebrate the winner asateam,present a prize if you wish, takephotos, anddisplayon staff boards (with consent).
Prize Suggestion: a personalisedmug withthe winners nameonit For example; Jane. NovemberColleagueoftheMonth, you could even fill themug with sweets!
Colleagues enjoy the competitiveness, and they recognise what they are doing is important, it can boost morale and opens up good 121 conversations
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
Grace Care Centre has successfully implemented this initiative should you require further information
.
Colleague of the Month
– Electronic Nominations approach
An opportunity for resident’s family members and OSJCT colleagues to recognise and thank team members when they’ve done something well. The person can submit the reason they want to thank and recognise them by completing a form via a link they’re sent. The name of the nominated colleague will be entered into the bimonthly awards and will be invited to an awards ceremony where the senior leadership team will choose an overall winner. This creates a culture of recognition within the team and keeps everyone motivated to do a good job acrosall departments.
Levelofease
EASY – in terms of implementation and cost.
Create your form in Microsoft Forms, it’s completely free to use
Besttimetoimplement
Can be implemented anytimeoftheyear.
Resourcesneeded
Budget:
A gift bimonthly for the overall winner taken from petty cash budget
Time:
Approx 2 hrs to plan and communicate the initiative to both colleagues and resident family members
Approx 2 hrs bimonthly to discuss the nominations received with the senior leadership team
Approx 1 hr bimonthly to hold the recognition awards ceremony
Materials:
Notice board to display posters and photos of each winner receiving their award
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Inform all team members, telling them why you’re doing it and how they can nominate each other Communicate this in a variety of ways including via email, poster, WhatsApp etc Include a QR code linking to the form on posters and place them in colleague only areas for ease of nominations
Write to all resident families inviting them to recognise colleagues by nominating them Include a QR code in the communication to enable them to scan it using their phones so they can easily access the form
Celebrate Success:
Invite all nominated colleagues to a bimonthly award ceremony to award the overall winner.
Ensure all line managers check P files when completing appraisals to see if colleagues have been nominated in the last 6 months to ensure they are recognised appropriately
Results and outcomes
Engagement:
Discuss with your senior leadership team and encourage them to discuss the initiative with their teams at every opportunity to keep momentum going and ensure they are aware of how to nominate electronically
Lead by example and nominate colleagues when you see them go above and beyond
Ask colleagues how/if they would like to be recognised/ awarded if they are chosen as overall winner at the bimonthly awards Everyone is different
Engage your senior leadership team on how this initiative supports them to complete appraisals and helps them submit nominations for the annual Trust Awards.
Ease of nominating a colleague is key, so highly recommend using a QR code. Colleagues like to be recognised for doing an excellent job and this opportunity allows them to be recognised both by other colleagues and resident family members By having the information electronically, it allows you to capture examples of great work at appraisals as well as the Trust awards
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
If you have any questions about the colleague recognition electronic nominations contact Dean Palfrey, Home Manager from Athelstan House
Colleague of the Month
Values Tree approach
Family members and colleagues are invited to write a message of thanks and recognition on a templated card which they then hang on the tree. The template reflects the Trust Values and helps colleagues understand how their roles and responsibilities links into our organisational values.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of implementation and cost
Best time to implement
Ongoing opportunity – can be implemented anytime of the year
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 2-3 hours to set up and communicate the initiative This includes writing to resident family members and the ongoing time taken for the senior leadership team to continually remind colleagues about nominating each other
Approx 2 hours for a nominated member of the team to prepare message template shapes
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Ensurethatallcolleaguesandresidentfamily membersarewellinformedofthevalues tree,whereitisandhowtheycanrecognise colleagues. Remindpeopleoftheorganisationalvalues, bydisplayingthevaluesposternexttothe tree.
Engagement:
Discussyourplanswithyoursenior leadershipteamtoensurethatthevalues treeisdiscussedateveryopportunity,and theyareleadingbyexamplebyhangingtheir ownrecognitionmessagesonthetree.
Results and outcomes
Budget:
Minimal,moneyfrompettycashcouldbeused topurchaseatreeandcardformessage templates.
Materials: Tree(youcouldmakeoneorbuyoneonline). Getaposterdesignedtocommunicatethe initiative.
Cardtouseforthemessagetemplates Stringtohangthemessagesonthetree.
Celebratesuccess:
As a senior leadership teamrecogniseand celebrate withthecolleague whentheirname has beenhung onthevalues tree.
When yousee colleagues carry outeveryday activities with residents,remindthem how their actionslinkintotheTrustvalues, to enable a better understandingandasenseof belonging.
Colleagues feel valued because they have been recognised for doing a good job, by both their colleagues and family members. The tree can also become a focal point in the lounge.
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
Grace Care Centre will be able to offer further guidance or answer questions if you require
Colleague of the Month
– Values Board approach
An opportunity for colleagues to be nominated and recognised by peers who complete a card detailing who they are nominating and why. As part of the nomination, they say when they have seen them go above and beyond and which of the Trust Values this relates to. Every month the senior leadership team will choose a winning colleague against each of the five values.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of ease and ongoing management.
Best time to implement
Ongoing opportunity – can be implemented anytime of the year
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 2 hours setting up values board
Approx2hourseachmonthwithsenior leadershipteamdiscussingallnominationsand decidingonthefivewinners. Thisincludesthe timeputasidetocelebratewiththewinners.
Budget: Recommended£10giftvoucherperwinner£50.00permonth.
Materials:
LargeNoticeboardtodisplaytheTrustvalues andinstructionsonhow colleaguesnominate.
Nominationcards. Pinstodisplaycardswhennominating.
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Ensure colleagues are well informed about the values board, how to nominate and what the five values are with some suggested examples, this can be done in a variety of ways, good to do this at a home meeting and then again one to one. Display a poster next to the values board explaining again how to nominate.
Engagement:
Discuss with your senior leadership team, ask them to check in with their team members at every opportunity to see if they have witnessed a colleague make a difference and check that they have thought about completing a card to put on the values board
On the 1st of each month agree with your senior leadership team which five members of the team have won the award and which of the Trust Values it aligns to and how
Results and outcomes
By using this opportunity, you give an increased understanding of the trust values colleagues and how their role fits into each one It demonstrates how they can make a difference and be makes everyone more aware of personal centred care Chestnut Court has found that it has helped to increase the team working together and their overall morale
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
If you would like further guidance or have questions about this opportunity contact Gence Mekkunnel at Chestnut Court
Drop in sessions for new colleagues
An initiative whereby the Home Manager and Deputy Manager welcome anyone who is within their support period by hosting a regular drop-in session. The session should be in a designated lounge and be held on same day and time each week.
The session lasts one hour and gives colleagues the opportunity to share anything on their mind or simply gives them the opportunity to have a cup of coffee with the management team in a relaxed setting.
This enables the home to listen to colleagues about their onboarding experience and helps us demonstrate that we value their opinions. Feedback received will enable them to improve the homes approach to onboarding new colleagues and will optimise retention.
Levelofease
EASY – in relation to cost, implementation and time
Besttimetoimplement
Ongoingopportunity. Can be started at any time of the year, but one suggestion would be to start when you have had more than one new member join in a month
Resources needed
Time:
1 hour of the Home Manager or Deputy Manager’s time each week
Budget:
Minimal cost associated, biscuits and coffee taken from the catering budget
Communication:
Tell new starters about these drop-in sessions at their induction, giving the location, day and time Explain to them the benefits of coming along – it’s their opportunity to have uninterrupted time to ask things that are important to them, and it also helps us continually improving how we welcome and support new colleagues
In addition, you could advertise these drop ins via a poster, or via WhatsApp if you use it in your home
Results and outcomes
Engagement:
Discuss the advantages of releasing colleagues to join the drop in with your senior leadership so they encourage them to attend and can explain it to other colleagues also
Celebrate Success:
Actively listen to colleagues who attend about their experience, share to them and the wider team anything you have changed because of this.
This opportunity has been successful where implemented, at Meadowcroft in Oxfordshire other colleagues understood the value and asked if it could be extended to include them also Therefore, the home now allocates an hour on the last Tuesday of each month whereby the longer serving members of the team can drop in and chat to the Home Manager or Deputy about anything which is on their mind, in a relaxed, informal setting
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
Rachel Greenough Home Manager, Meadowcroft runs this initiative in her home if you require further information
Getting creative with gifted items
From time-to-time homes/schemes are given donations by resident family members, this can be a monetary donation or consumables such as chocolates or alcohol. These items are to thank team members for all their hard work.
This opportunity ensures that these donations are appropriately shared across colleagues If the donation is a food item (not fresh) instead of just putting them in the colleague rest room/household for colleagues to eat, you can be more created with this donation, you could consider:
Storing any donations throughout the year then give out to each colleague at Christmas by raffling them off, with each colleague being given one raffle ticket
If a monetary donation, ask the team what they would like to spend it on In one home, colleagues requested a new microwave and two coffee machines for their colleague room with a supply of coffee pods and other treats to enjoy whilst they are on their breaks
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of cost and easiness, can take a bit of time to organise raffle tickets
Best time to implement
Can be implemented anytime of the year.
Resources needed
Time:
Depending on whether gift or monetary donation the amount of time dedicated to this will vary – but approx 3 hours spread across the year
Materials:
Posters, raffle tickets, space in colleague room to present all gift donations with raffle ticket
Communication:
Tell colleagues that gifts have been given and explain what is happening with them to ensure it reaches every colleague, use a variety of communication methods, i e , email, poster, WhatsApp so they are well informed, and especially if they need to be given a raffle ticket
Engagement:
If your donation is a monetary donation discuss with the senior leadership team to explore with their teams what they would like and to ensure that all colleagues can benefit, as this may be different to what your thoughts are
If your colleagues want for example a coffee machine for the colleague room, ask them to choose the make and model within the given price range
Engage your senior leadership team in the planning if it is a gift donation by ensuring that each colleague gets a raffle ticket.
Results and outcomes
Being creative with donations ensures it reaches all colleagues and they feel appreciated and valued for working in care, if they win a gift from the raffle if gives them a little extra gift at Christmas time
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
If you would like further information or have any questions please contact Kelly Edwards, Home Manager at Coombe End Court for the gift donations, if it is a monetary donation contact Andrea Brooks, Home Manager at Beckside
Section 2 Personal Wellness
Colleague Wellbeing Box
An opportunity which provides everyday toiletries to use whilst at work to support colleague wellness and for team members not having to worry if they forget the required toiletries whilst at work.
Level of ease
EASY – Easy to communicate, low cost in terms of initial outlay and ongoing upkeep.
Best time to implement
Ongoing opportunity – Can be implemented anytime of the year, especially good in the summer months when it is hotter, and colleagues may want to refresh themselves
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 15 minutes spread across the month to ensure the wellbeing box is kept topped up and clean and fit for purpose for colleague to use
Budget:
After purchasing the baskets and toiletries, to maintain and top up the wellbeing box is less than £10 each month
Materials:
Baskets or boxes to put toiletries in – ideally plastic for ease of cleaning and of a size to fit on a shelf or side in the colleague facilities.
Toiletries – for example sanitary productspads/tampons, female deodorant and female body spray, male deodorant, and male body spray, hand wipes, hand cream etc
Consider a purchasing a cabinet to keep the items in so they are not on view Some cultures view female sanitary items as inappropriate, keeping them from view respects different cultural views
Communication:
Each wellbeing box has a label on encouraging colleagues to help themselves and is situated in the colleague facilities
Engagement:
The idea came after a member of the team who whilst working asked another colleague if they had some sanitary items she could use Upon hearing this the senior leadership team discussed what we could do to support colleagues not only in an emergency but at any time whilst they are at work
Results and outcomes
Colleagues appreciate the wellness box and think it is an amazing idea, stops them having to worry if they need something in an emergency, helps them freshen up especially in the summer months. The number of products used from the wellbeing box shows that colleagues benefit from this initiative and have now started adding to it from toiletries they have at home
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
Should you require any further guidance or have any questions about this opportunity please contact Laura Berry, Home Manager at Townsend House or Natalie Leigh, Scheme Manager at Moorside Place or Dean Palfrey at Athelstan House – all have successfully implemented this in their home/scheme for colleagues to use
Colleague food larder
An introduction of a food larder where colleagues can voluntarily donate and take food from without feeling they need to explain why. This gives you the opportunity to support colleagues, their wellness, and their families due to the increased cost of food and economic crisis.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of setting up and maintaining initiative Low cost
Best time to implement
Ongoing opportunity – Can be implemented anytime of the year
Resources needed
Time:
Create a space in the colleague room to place boxes to put items in
Takes 10 minutes for one of the senior leadership team each day, to check the products are in date and fit for consumption
Pay particular attention to items available the week up to pay day, as this is when it is used the most
Materials:
Sturdy box to place products in
Poster to be placed by the boxes outlining the initiative and how to donate and how to take from
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Ensure that colleagues are well informed about the initiative by using a variety of ways to communicate i e Poster, WhatsApp, Handovers, E Care Messages
Communicate that items should be in date, unopened and ambient products If fresh they should be items which don’t need to be refrigerated
Keep the communication ongoing and reiterate it is run on an honesty basis, seek opportunities for conversations such as appraisals, handovers etc and understand if finding it useful.
Results and outcomes
Share with the community and resident family’s where you feel appropriate, as you may find they want to donate to support the colleagues in the home
Engagement:
Lead from the top, if you can donate items yourself from time to time, it does not need to be expensive – if you are able to do this then a suitable time is the week leading up to pay day
Signage by the food larder also gives you the opportunity to display details of local food banks
Colleagues use the food larder, both by donating and taking items
One colleague fed back that it makes a real difference to her and her family especially the week before pay day as it assured her that she could feed her children that week
The local community are now aware of the food larder and the home are finding that they are donating to the food larder.
Residents’ family members are aware of the initiative, and some donate when they can
Customisation
Can be extended to Christmas Gift donation or plants for example
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
Shelly Smith, Home Manager from Whitefriars has successfully implemented this initiative should you require further information
Wellbeing Check In’s
An opportunity for members of the senior leadership to informally check in with colleagues a few days after a team member has not been able to attend work to ensure they are fit. Helps with relationship building and shows empathy and being an approachable manager and could result in reducing absence levels. This opportunity could be considered after annual leave also.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of ease and free to implement
Best time to implement
As and when it is needed, important to be consistent across all colleagues
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 15 mins each day from senior leadership team depending on levels of absence to check in
TOP TIPS
Engagement:
Discuss daily with your senior leadership team to find out who has returned to work and when and agree who will be doing the informal wellbeing check in (this is an additional measure on top of what OSJCT’s Attendance Policy mandates).
Results and outcomes
Feedback from colleagues is that this initiative helps them feel like the senior leadership team are approachable and that they can talk to them if they are struggling at work rather than simply go off
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
If you would like further guidance or have questions about this opportunity contact Samantha Ellis, Scheme Manager from Mayott House.
Section 3 Events
Culture Days
– Celebrating Cultural Diversity
To raise awareness and celebrate different cultures within the home. For example, at Athelstan House, three Sri Lankan colleagues planned and cooked a traditional Sri Lankan meal with entertainment for a selection of residents, giving them the opportunity to share and celebrate their heritage, it was a great opportunity for colleagues (and residents) to learn more about Sri Lankan culture.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of implementation and cost
Best time to implement
Can be implemented anytime of the year, but particularly good to time it around certain important cultural dates
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 4 hours of planning time shared across all colleagues taking part
Those colleagues should be paid, but not rostered into their role on the day so they can be freed up to help with the cooking, decorating of the table, serving of the food and entertainment
Budget:
Less than £100, the cost of food can come out of the catering budget and décor out of activity budget
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Once the plan for the culture day has been agreed, advertise the event with your teams, try to do it in a variety of ways, e g , Posters, WhatsApp, Email etc
Engagement:
Invite all colleagues to share their ideas and to get involved, if you’ve got a culturally diverse team perhaps schedule a few of these days throughout the year. Once you’ve agreed what culture you’d like to celebrate discuss ideas with the selected colleagues’ and incorporate what they’d like to focus on and what the event should include.
Results and outcomes
Materials:
Special ingredients may need to be purchased if Creed do not stock them
Tablecloths, decoration to fit within the cultural theme
Consider giving a small thank you gift to the colleagues who are running the event and taking the time to share their culture with residents
Encourage Colleagues who are participating to wear their traditional cultural dress
Support colleagues to implement their plans and ideas to ensure the day runs smoothly, whether that’s assisting with purchasing special ingredients, decorations, or helping to order the food
Engage with your volunteers to ask if they can be involved in assisting on the day and be part of the celebration
Celebrate Success:
Celebrate colleagues’ achievements and thank them for their hard work. Explain the impact they‘ve had on raising cultural awareness within the home.
The home benefited hugely from the event, not only was it a great way to celebrate cultural diversity within the team, but it also raised awareness of cultural differences. Our first culture day at Athelstan generated much interest from other colleagues at the home asking if they could lead one themselves It’s created a general awareness of understanding and respect of other cultures and their celebration days
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
Dean Palfrey, Home Manager from Athelstan House has successfully organised a culture day in the home if you would like further information
Dress up days
An opportunity for colleagues to choose to dress up as part of a special resident event or activity eg. ‘Around the World in your Armchair’ it encourages whole team involvement and is a bit of fun for all.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of easiness
Best time to implement
Can be implemented anytime of the year and can be linked in with Activities Co Ordinator schedule or National notable days
Resources needed
Time:
Activity Co Ordinator time in planning activity and communicating to colleagues in a variety of ways
Budget:
Depending on the type of activity, costs can be taken from the activity budget
Materials:
You‘ll need posters to be designed and displayed in colleague areas
Décor to be brought if required - depending on the event/activity theme
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Ensure teams are well informed about the activity and share ideas of what they can wear, use a variety of communication methods i e , WhatsApp, Poster, handovers etc approx 1 week leading up to the activity
Celebrate Success:
Thank colleagues for their support, have fun and recognise when they have made a difference to a resident’s day as a result of the activity.
Engagement:
Discuss with your Activity Coordinator and ask them to speak with other colleagues at every opportunity
Discuss with your Activity Coordinator whether any resources can be made e g , items for colleagues to wear if they don’t have an outfit at home
Ask your senior leadership team to lead by example and request that they take part in the dress up day
Results and outcomes
This opportunity helps build teamwork and relationships, whilst having fun at work, increases morale whilst making a difference to a resident
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
If you would like further guidance or have qu Whittle, Home Manager, Southfield House.
Fundraising ideas – Virtual pedal ride from Lands’ End to John O’Groats
Organise a virtual pedal bike ride from Lands’ End to John O’Groats to raise money for the home’s amenity fund, one home did this to support a colleague who was running from Lands’ End to John O’Groats, it encourages teamwork and is fund to do together.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of time, cost and organising
Best time to implement
Can be implemented anytime of the year.
Resources needed
Time:
Create an area to put the fitness bike ensuring it can be seen by colleagues, residents, and resident family members
Approx 4 hours of a colleagues time to source a fitness bikes, display posters and record mileage, ensuring it’s kept up to date It also creates a buzz if they display photos of the challenge, including sharing them with Marketing to put on the FB page
Budget:
Budget to purchase fitness bikes, however gyms will quite often loan if asked or ask people to donate one for the week.
Materials:
Create an area to display posters, and up to date information on the mileage completed, include a map to showcase the distance
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Communicate the initiative to colleagues, residents, residents’ families, and the homes operational support teams along with the reason you are doing it and what you are raising the funds for
Communicate this in a variety of ways via WhatsApp, emails, handovers etc
Keep communication going throughout the challenge, celebrating the miles completed, and where they are virtually in the country
Celebrate Success:
Thank everyone involved for supporting the event, let everyone know how much was raised.
Engagement:
Discuss the idea with your senior leadership team, select designated colleague to source fitness bikes and lead the rota of who is due to ride when
Start to collect the names of colleagues who would like to take part, scheduling their time on the rota and encouraging them every step of the way
Alternatively engage with each colleague daily that if they have 10 mins to ride the bike within their working day get them doing it there and then
Engage your senior leadership team and operational support to get involved, so they can lead by example.
Encourage resident family members to get involved when they visit the home
Results and outcomes
An opportunity to support a colleague and to raise money for the home, encourages team working and is fun to do!
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
For further guidance if you require on this initiative, contact Kelly Edwards from Coombe End Court whereby her team have successfully virtually pedalled from Lands’ End to John O’Groats
Mocktail Bar
Set up a mocktail bar and encourage your team to join you for a drink and chat, it’s a great opportunity to engage with your teams and show your appreciation, thanking them for the work they do.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of implementation, easiness, and cost .
Best time to implement
Can be implemented anytime of the year, but especially around Christmas time, Summertime or during Professional Carers week in September
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 2 hours to plan and set up the mocktail bar, including purchasing any items
Approx 2 hours of senior leadership over a couple of days running the bar
Budget:
Taken from catering budget mainly and petty cash
Materials:
Clear plastic cocktail glasses, variety of sizes
Accessories to finish off your mocktail eg Umbrella sticks
An area to place your bar, or if you want to make it mobile, dress up a trolley in seasonal decorations, eg lights, Christmas tinsel, load up your mocktails and wheel it around the home
You may want to consider having music on your trolley, giving your mocktail bar a name!
TOP TIPS
Engagement:
Discuss the initiative with your senior leadership team, between you explore easy to make mocktails and consider how to best include the night team
Discuss with your chef, identifying items which can be bought through Creed, such as juices and fruit
This opportunity is best done on an Ad hoc basis so your teams do not expect it
Consider doing a mocktail evening for your night colleagues
Results and outcomes
Celebrate Success:
Thank colleagues for their hard work whilst pouring them a drink, have fun with it and if for example it is Christmas time wish them a Happy Christmas
Take lots of photos and display a collage in a colleague area
Teams enjoy the ad hoc engagement as not only is it fun and motivational but shows that the senior leadership team have taken some thought and time in the interaction
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
Renata Crisostomo, Peripatetic Area Operations Manager have set up mocktail bars in homes if you require any further guidance
Music Bingo Night
An opportunity for colleagues to get together socially to enjoy an evening of music bingo, you could do it as a fundraiser, or just to interact socially and have some fun together.
In one home, Music Bingo Night was a suggestion from a member of the team who’s friend held these evenings in the local community, they were happy to coordinate the event for the home with some help from colleagues.
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of implementation and cost
Best time to implement
Can be implemented anytime of the year
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 1 hour of the handyperson’s time to set up for the event
Approx 2 hours to plan the event
Approx. 1 hour to purchase prizes to give out at the event
Budget:
Snacks and drinks for the evening from taken from catering budget.
Prizes purchased taken from activities fund.
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Inform colleagues and resident family members about the event in a variety of ways i e , Poster, WhatsApp, Email etc outlining how they can take part
Materials:
Posters to be placed in colleague area to advertise the event
If you don‘t know someone within the community that runs these types of events, then this could be done by colleagues at home. Make or buy some bingo cards with music titles on them, (rather than numbers), and use a music playlist with the shuffle facility which you can play on the ipad on to use the shuffle music playlist on, with the facility to shuffle the playlist for each game.
Keep communication ongoing at every opportunity to increase attendees
Engagement:
Lead from the top - ensure the senior leadership team attend the evening.
Invite a member of the team to lead on the preparations, if it’s being run by an entertainer they should organise it with the contact, arranging date, times, and agreeing costs and other requirements.
Results and outcomes
Talk to the chef about providing snacks and drinks on the evening
Involve the handyperson to ensure an area is made available for the evening, with table and chairs
Arrange prizes for the team‘s with the winning music cards
Celebrate Success:
Thank everyone for attending the evening, and tell them how much money has been raised.
Thank colleagues who got involved in the preparations.
A social event where colleagues can have fun, raise money for the home, and engage with resident family members Creates good teamwork and relationships within the home
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
If you require further guidance on holding a Bingo Music Night contact Kelly Edwards Home Manager from Coombe End Court
Pre-Christmas Colleague Lunch
Pre-Christmas Day lunch (late November /Early December) for all colleagues. The meal is served by the management team who dress up in Christmas attire to thank colleagues for all their hard work over the year, a great way to boost morale at a busy time of year.
Level of ease
MODERATE – in terms of planning and cost
Best time to implement
End of November/Early December
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 4 hrs from the management team, both to organise and serve the Christmas lunch
Increased workload for the kitchen team as they will be cooking for colleagues as well as residents
Budget:
Taken from the kitchen budget and managed accordingly over the course of the year
Materials:
Enough table and chairs to seat both residents and colleagues, may need to consider two sittings if large number of colleagues wish to attend (and to cover different shifts - don‘t forget to involve your night team!)
Christmas decorations which have either been donated or bought from charity shops
Christmas attire worn by senior leadership team which are either owned, donated, or bought at charity shops
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Communicate in a variety of ways – posters, What’s App etc do this well ahead of the day, so colleagues who are not working that day can plan to attend if they’d like to
Engagement:
Discuss with team members and involve them in the planning as early as October.
Draw up a list of what you need, invite donations and buy materials from charity shops if you can.
Celebrate Success:
An opportunity to recognise and celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to maintain motivation and thank colleagues for what they do
Results and outcomes
Colleagues enjoy this event; they enjoy celebrating with each other and morale increases in readiness of the Christmas season
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
If you require further information or guidance, Andrea Brooks, Home Manager from Beckside successfully implements this event in her home
Team Parties
An opportunity for colleagues to get together socially with a view to link colleagues in with residents, residents’ family members and the wider community. Party themes could include; Summer party – carnival theme; Halloween party; Christmas fair with market stalls and Santa’s grotto; Christmas party for colleagues.
Level of ease
MODERATE – in terms of preparation
Best time to implement
Anytime of the year, depends on the type of party
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 1 hour each week of senior leadership time and key people to prepare Allow 4 - 5 weeks leading up to the party Activities Co Ordinator time in preparation and organising
Approx 2 hours of senior leadership time in communicating to colleagues, residents, and resident family members about the party
Budget:
Depends on type of party
Materials:
Posters to be made and put up in colleague areas
Décor to be brought if required - theme related
TOP TIPS
Communication:
Ensurecolleaguesarewellinformedabouttheparty,dates,andtimesandhowtobecome involvedifwillingtohelpinthepreparation,décorandclearingupafterwards.Useavarietyof communicationmethodsi.e.,Email,poster,WhatsAppetcwellaheadoftimeinordertoallow colleaguestomakearrangementsifrequired.
Communicatetoresidentfamilymembersofthepartydetails.
Communicatewithbothcolleaguesandresidentfamilymemberstoaskfordonateditemseg. Raffleprizes,decorationsetc.
Engagement:
Askyourseniorleadershipteamtospeaktoallmembersoftheirteams’togatherideasforaparty theme
Seniorleadershipteamtodiscussanddecideonathemebasedonsuggestions.
Involvecolleagueswhohavesuggestedthetheme,tofindoutmoreaboutitandhowtheyseeit workingbest
Discusswithyourseniorleadershipteamtoseeifcolleagueshaveahobby/interestthatthey couldshareonthedayeg.Keenphotographer–couldtakepicturesforyouontheday.Colleague whoarecreativeandartisticcoulddofacepaintingontheday.
Discusswithnominatedpersontoexploreandbookentertainmentifrequired.
Discusswithchefaboutfoodwhichmayhavetobeordered,prepared,cooked.
Involvehandypersontoensureareaisclearedinreadinessoftheparty,whetherthatwillbe indoorsoroutside.
EngagewithyourActivitiesCoOrdinator’s,youcouldaskthetocoordinatetheorganisationofthe partyandschedulereviewmeetingswiththosehelpingorganise
Discusswithmarketingiftheyareabletosupport.
Discusswithyourvolunteers,askthemfortheirsupportandinvitethemtotheevent
Considerinvitingcolleaguesandresidentsfromyournearesthome,it’llhelpbuildrelationships. Leadbyexampleandrequestthatallofyourseniorleadershipteamattendtheparty.
Celebratesuccess:
Thankcolleaguesfortheirsupportforalltheircontributionsandhavefun-it’sasocialoccasion. Usethisasanopportunitytothankspecificcolleagueswhohavehelporganisetheparty.
Results and outcomes
Colleagues involved in choosing the theme so were more engaged and willing to get involved, it is also an opportunity for them to showcase their place of work to the local community and to other homes.
Feedback from colleagues was positive, holding social events helps make it is a great place to work, builds teamwork and helps motivation
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
If you would like further guidance or have questions about this opportunity contact: Doreen Paisley, Home Manager, Monkscroft Care Centre who hosted a carnival party.
Sara Bland, Home Manager, Foxby Court hosting a Christmas party with Santa Grotto
Sports Team Day
An opportunity for colleagues to get active and take part in a little competitive fun!
Level of ease
EASY – in terms of implementation and cost
Best time to implement
Summertime
Resources needed
Time:
Approx 1 hour of handy person time to ensure the outside space is safe.
Approx 2 hours of the senior leadership team in the planning and ongoing communication, also ensuring that there are enough colleagues to keep residents safe if they do not come wish to or able to go outside
Budget:
Medals, trophies purchased from Amazon and taken from petty cash budget
Materials:
Posters to be placed in colleague area to put their name down
Letter to be sent to resident family members
Sport equipment depending on what is required
Communication:
Inform colleagues about the team day using a variety of ways to communicate i e , Poster, WhatsApp etc and requesting they sign up within teams to the sporting events they wish to participate
Keep communication ongoing at every opportunity to ensure there is enough teams
Share with the residents and resident family members of the day if they wish to spectate
Engagement:
Lead from the top and ensure the senior leadership team are within a team.
Ask your senior leadership team to discuss with colleagues what events they would like to have on the day i.e. Three-legged race, egg, and spoon.
Results and outcomes
Discuss with senior leadership team resource, materials required for the day
Engage with a local school to discuss if you can loan items i e , Bean bags, spoons for egg and spoon race etc
Celebrate Success:
Celebrate with the whole home, not forgetting the colleagues who have not participated however have worked within the home caring for residents who have not or been able to go and spectate outside.
Celebrate the team who has overall won the most events over the day, by giving them a medal, trophy for example, this can be done after the event if required as a presentation.
A fun at workday to build a positive culture and teamwork, the benefits where colleagues state it is an amazing day
Chat to Colleagues that have tried it
Rachel Greenough, Home Manager from Meadowcroft suc Summer of 2023 if you require any further guidance.
Get in touch
You may have noticed that this is Volume 1! The intention is to expand the ideas with the input of colleagues from all across the Trust. This is just a small selection of the ideas that have already been put forward and we will look to include more of them in the next volume so watch this space...
We are always keen to hear suggestions to improve the places we work in so if you or your team have ideas, please do get in touch.
Email wellness@osjct.co.uk