Why cultivating a culture of respect matters

Too many nurses find themselves experiencing the following scenario—

• Being short-staffed most shifts
• Working more shifts, more consecutive days
• Too little downtime to recoup from one extra-long week after another
• Mounting stress that threatens to blossom into burnout

Is it any wonder that nurse retention is a pressing concern for the administration at most hospitals and long-term care facilities? The questions every department of every healthcare facility should be asking are—

• Have we created a culture of respect?
• Could we better respect these professionals without whom we could not care for patients and residents?

Sometimes respect doesn't get the recognition it deserves as a retention strategy. But consider this. Respect that is genuine and demonstrated can be likened to a layer of frosting that holds a crumbling cake together. Stress is high, challenges stack upon each other, and bone-weary fatigue grips the nursing staff. But being surrounded by folks who treat their nurses with respect can help tired nurses stay in the game. Knowing their superiors and colleagues respect them as individuals and professionals, can provide the lift they need to stay the course.

Nurses deserve respect for so many reasons, including the –

• lifesaving, compassionate care they provide
• long shifts they work
• "normal" stress they experience as part of the healthcare industry
• reality that this stress has increased exponentially as we've collectively battled COVID-19
• toll that even "normal times" nursing takes on the emotional well-being of nursing professionals

While respect can't magically erase the above experiences, it's a necessary component in the daily battle for staff retention. Moreover, it's a component that management must take seriously and assume responsibility for nurturing. The bottom line? Respect matters so, so much.  

So, what's involved in cultivating a culture of respect?

No one would argue against the proven fact that an atmosphere of disrespect within any healthcare setting will negatively impact staff engagement and performance, employee satisfaction, and happiness. All which are critical components in retention. Respect also plays a role in the patient experience and overall patient outcomes, meaning that both sides of the care equation suffer when a spirit of respect is lacking.

What tactics and proactive behaviors support an environment that nurtures respect?

• Active listening
• The valuing of diverse backgrounds and ideas
• Trusting others with high-level tasks
• Welcoming input
• Providing autonomy
• Affirming value to the organization
• Taking an interest in non-work lives
• Supporting individuals in critical situations

A foundation stone of a truly respect-centric workplace is a commitment to demonstrate respect and to place value upon every employee regardless of their position or place on the company roster. That step alone can be the defining moment in solidifying a culture of respect. A level playing field will net the best results where respect is concerned.

Taking up the mantle of treating nurses with sincere respect can't help but nudge up retention rates. And when it comes to hiring for open positions? With the word-of-mouth marketing plan engaged, the community will soon discover that your organization consistently scores high in the respect category –which means those looking to work as an RN will make a point of checking out the job opportunities.

The connection between respect and retention is critical. Creating a culture of respect will ultimately help retain your most valuable asset – your staff.