Do you have a love-hate relationship with the holidays? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. For on-demand healthcare providers, getting through the holidays with grace, efficiency, good health, and cheer, can be a struggle.
You and your staff have busy schedules beyond the clinic, and that can be a challenge. Holding onto the spirit of the holidays is tough, but doable. And it starts with planning, includes flexibility, and ends with caring.
On the other hand, the holiday season is an opportunity to express your gratitude to everyone that contributes to your success—your community, your patients, your staff, and business partners. It may include gift-giving, card-sending, an open house, or an employee luncheon—and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
If you need a place to start, take a look at our list of ideas for giving back below, then brainstorm ideas that may work best in your office.
- Collect hats and mittens for a homeless shelter ” Invite your customers to share their holiday with those in need. People want an opportunity to do good in their community, and you can lead the way. As a side benefit, it makes patients feel good about you as their care provider. And that matters.
- Provide food baskets for families of military personnel ” Serving your country is a big sacrifice for families, especially during the holidays. Get your staff together to make food baskets for the families of your patients who have a loved one that is active duty or a retired veteran. Let them know you care.
- Set up a treat bar for employees ” Fridays in December, or the last week before Christmas, set up a special area in your break room with sweet and salty snacks for employees who are working through this hectic season. Make it simple with fruit or veggie trays, or even a coffee/cocoa bar with their favorite add-ins.
- Send a personal note to service providers “ A card is nice, but when you include a personal note, your copier repairman, UPS delivery person, and office supply rep will realize that you appreciate them—and they’ll remember. If it’s feasible, include a gift card for coffee or a local deli.
- Pick a project ” Bring your staff together to pick a service project to which they can all contribute. Put someone else in charge, and let them choose a way to spread the spirit of the season. It can be as simple as visiting a nursing home, or more involved, such as setting up decorations for a patient that isn’t able to do it for himself.
- Give a gift ” Your staff is critical to your success. Don’t forget them during the holidays. Instead, reward them for their work and their loyalty with a gift picked with them in mind. Give a box of K-cups to a coffee lover, cookies for your resident sweets fan, and bath salts to the single (and tired) mom. The personal sentiment will mean more than the cost.
Best of all, whatever you give always comes back in ways you can’t anticipate. Giving back builds goodwill and loyalty, lets you show what you’re passionate about, connects you with the community, and attracts the best future employees who appreciate your heart. But most importantly, it helps keep the holiday cheer alive and well in your urgent care during the most wonderful—and hectic—time of the year.
This resource was first published prior to the 2019 merger between DocuTAP and Practice Velocity. The content reflects our legacy brands.
