Spotlight: Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital’s Rewards and Recognition Committee

You’ve seen them delivering balloons to I CARE winners, pushing carts full of treats onto the units and outside the cafeteria handing out goodies. They are members of your Rewards and Recognition Committee and they are the official BWFH cheerleaders, here to spread a little joy and show you just how much you are appreciated.

Under Executive Director of Human Resources Laura Barnett and with support from Human Resources Coordinator Michelle Casey, the group is dedicated to supporting and encouraging an environment where outstanding contributions and daily commitment to our I CARE Standards by staff are recognized, rewarded and celebrated. The goal of the Rewards and Recognition Program is to create an environment where employee contributions are valued and appreciated.

Throughout the year, the Rewards and Recognition Committee collects I CARE Award nominations. When winners are determined, a team of Rewards and Recognition Committee members personally recognizes the winner by presenting them with balloons, a thank you card and a gift certificate redeemable in the cafeteria or Atrium Cafe. In addition to delivering I CARE Awards, the Rewards and Recognition Committee hosts several annual events for staff, including Party in the Parking lot.

“We have an amazing team of motivated and engaged committee members from across the hospital that volunteers their time to brighten the day of others,” says Barnett. “In addition to delivering I CARE Awards and planning our annual Party in the Parking Lot, they take time out of their busy days (and even nights and weekends) to deliver treats and other goodies to our staff in honor of holidays, or just when we know they need a little pick me up.”

Transport Department Supervisor Kathleen Clancy was originally recruited to the committee by Human Resources and has found the experience to be very enjoyable. “I truly enjoy the different ways the committee focuses on celebrating our employees. I really like how everyone comes together for the same goal, which is to honor our staff,” she says.

For Senior Web and Multimedia Specialist Caitlyn Slowe, a long-time member of the committee, it’s been a way to stay in touch and engaged throughout the pandemic. “Pre-pandemic I worked on site, but since the on-set of COVID-19, I’ve been mostly working remote. Some days I feel a bit disconnected from what’s going on at the hospital, but then I volunteer to participate in a Rewards and Recognition Committee event, and I get to see my coworkers and all the hard the work they do every day to care for our patients, and it’s a really fun way to reconnect.”

Performance Improvement Manager Sarah Levitin is one of the newest members of the committee. For her, it’s been a great way to get to know her coworkers and learn how things are done in the various departments across the hospital. “I value the opportunity to be exposed to the different departments and learn what it means to go above and beyond. It is very informative and helps me a lot in my job, which is to support those who provide patient- and family-center care.”

Are you interested in joining the Rewards and Recognition Committee? The group is always looking for new members. To learn more, contact Michelle Casey.