Boston Medical Center points to support staff recognition as key to recruitment, retention

Leaders at Boston Medical Center report that recognizing the work of support staffers can pay off across the hospital and serve as a recruitment and retainment strategy. BMC believes acknowledging what these "unsung heroes" are doing can reduce turnover and increase job satisfaction. BMC said support initiatives can become "infectious," and that hospitals that express their appreciation for the work of support and frontline staff can leverage that to improve recruitment and retention. BMC recently held a staff recognition event for its housekeeping, interpreter services and food services staff, stressing that recognition programs help with recruitment efforts and that positive engagement can create a "funnel" for potential new hires.