In today’s evolving pet care industry, the importance of onboarding and nurturing relationships with new team members cannot be overstated. As facility owners or managers, our workforce’s needs have shifted significantly in recent years, making it vital to prioritize staff retention and ensure that every team member feels valued and connected. Building strong relationships with your employees takes time and effort but is a worthy investment for the long-term success of your pet care facility.
One effective tool that can help you achieve this goal is the "Getting to Know You Form." In this article, we'll explore how this simple form can be a game-changer in personalizing recognition, rewarding team members, fostering peer-to-peer recognition, and enhancing your facility's culture.
Personalized Recognition and Rewards
One of the primary benefits of implementing a “Getting to Know You Form” during the onboarding process is the ability to personalize recognition and rewards for your team members. Each person on your team brings their own unique skills, preferences, and motivations to the table. By having new team members complete this form, you gain valuable insights into their personalities, interests, and what motivates them.
For instance, you may discover that one team member is passionate about a particular breed of dog. Armed with this knowledge, you can surprise them with breed-specific items, or a thoughtful gesture related to their interest. Another team member might be a sports fan or love a certain snack food or coffee which gives you valuable information to surprise them with a meaningful reward. The key here is that personalization shows your team members that you genuinely care about their individual happiness.
Peer-to-Peer Recognition
A strong team isn't just about the relationship between leaders and team members; it's also about the connections formed among peers. The "Getting to Know You Form" (GTKY) can serve as a catalyst for peer-to-peer recognition. Encourage your team to share their interests and favorite treats, places, etc. and then use that information to foster a culture of appreciation within your facility. In our facility we maintain everyone’s GTKY form in a binder that is available for team members to review when they want to surprise a colleague with a small token of appreciation.
Cultivating a Stronger Culture
A well-utilized "Getting to Know You Form" can help grow and enhance your facility's culture. When team members feel seen and heard, they are more likely to engage actively in your company’s mission and values. This can lead to a more positive work environment, increased job satisfaction, and ultimately, higher retention rates.
Use the information gathered from these forms to organize team-building activities, such as an ice cream social or pizza party that includes everyone’s favorite. You use them at the holidays for a Secret Santa gift exchange or to show your appreciation by something as simple as buying everyone their favorite candy bar. By doing so, you not only build a stronger team but also create an enjoyable and cohesive work atmosphere.
A Pawsitive Conclusion
In the pet care industry, where the human-animal bond is at the forefront, building strong relationships with your team members is crucial for success. The "Getting to Know You Form" is a powerful tool that can help you achieve this by personalizing recognition and rewards, fostering peer-to-peer recognition, and enhancing your facility's culture.
By taking the time to get to know your team members on a personal level, you demonstrate your commitment to their growth and well-being. This investment in your team's happiness and development will undoubtedly pay off in the long run, resulting in a happier, more motivated workforce and ultimately, a thriving pet care facility. So, don't underestimate the power of a simple form in building stronger, more connected teams. Start using the "Getting to Know You Form" today and watch your pet care facility flourish.
Click HERE for a FREE copy of our Pawsitively Squishy “Getting to Know You” form. You can use it as a starting point to design your own or feel free to use it as is!
Pawsitively Squishy is your partner to create a “pawsitive” pet care team with our innovative and fun products! Show appreciation for your team, recognize their hard work and provide encouragement when needed.
Written by Laurie Yost, owner of Pawsitively Squishy and a 14 year veteran in the Pet Care industry. Laurie owns Playful Pups Retreat, a pet resort offering premium overnight dog lodging, a variety of enrichment focused doggie daycare, puppy social skills daycare and dog training programs, bathing services, and much more, with two locations serving Central PA.