Winter is just getting started and already most people have had their fill of snow and cold. Gray days, nasty weather, bone-chilling cold and lack of sunshine can take a toll on the office staff at your clinic or medical practice. Mondays seem to be a particularly trying day for most people as they struggle to make the mental adjustment from weekend to work week. But when Blue Mondays start to stretch into the rest of the week, it’s time to take action.
Let your medical call answering service pick up the phones so all can participate, and use these tips to lift medical office spirits and energize your staff:
Get everyone moving! Exercise is an effective blues buster.
Start a lunchtime walking club. A walk and talk around the clinic grounds (or through the hallways when it’s nasty outside) is a good way to energize your body and enhance social connections between employees.
If your office is located in a hospital with fitness facilities, you may be able to arrange for your staff to use the fitness equipment.
Take a 10 minute break in the middle of the afternoon for chair exercises. Ask staff members to bring in an exercise to share and lead.
If your building has stairs, encourage daily climbs.
Sponsor an office team for a charity walk or stair climbing event. Have the practice pay the fees and purchase t-shirts to support the group.
Volunteer. Helping other people is a satisfying and uplifting experience.
Bring in canned goods for the local food pantry.
Recycle used clothing and household goods at a family shelter.
Collect small toys and stuffed animals for patients at your local children’s hospital.
More blues-busting ideas for your staff next time