Building Effective, High Performing Teams
Clients:
Two hospital/health care systems; domestic airline
Mission:
In several corporate settings, including health care and aviation industries, the development of effective work teams was essential to achieve the corporate mission of improving the overall safety culture and regulatory compliance while reducing health care, Worker’s Compensation and disability expenses.
Strategies:
Seasoned occupational health nurses were hired and then taught safety practices and principles. This created a cost-effective, highly efficient integrated approach to staffing, because nurses could legally provide safety services, while safety professionals could not legally provide nursing services.
- Staff was selected using behavioral interviews.
- New staff members were provided appropriate training and developmental opportunities while being mentored in their new work environment.
- Team meetings incorporated both operational components and professional developmental opportunities. All staff members were involved in facilitating meetings and team building opportunities, which strengthened their leadership capabilities and team functioning.
- Performance reviews were based in part on feedback from team members and customers of the individual staff members.
- Personal and professional development opportunities were supported and encouraged.
Results:
Over more than 20 years in a variety of corporate settings, the hallmarks of these highly effective professional teams include:
- Consistently low turnover among safety and health staff in each organization.
- Health and safety professionals who developed, promoted and successfully implemented wellness, safety, employee assistance and occupational health programs.
- Worker’s Compensation Experience Modification Factors of less than 0.83.
- Insurance premium refunds ranging from $30K-$160K.
- Reduction and control of work-related injuries and other operational safety incidents.
