Logan and Wayne Regional Director Erin Osborne.

Staff recognition is something that is important to the vitality of a team and also assists in ensuring quality services for families and children.  One way that KVC West Virginia is working to improve the recognition of staff is through a new initiative called ‘Make It a Habit.’  Make It a Habit was created by Director Erin Osborne after results came back from a recent staff survey.  Osborne recognized that previous efforts to acknowledge staff had been somewhat arbitrary, as all staff were generally working hard and completing job tasks.  She noted that it would be important to not only recognize extraordinary and specific efforts but to also present and model specific tasks that management would like to see become a habit.

Through discussion with the West Virginia management team, 12 positive values or ‘habits’ were created; one for each month.  Each month, Directors will present a new habit and discuss ways that staff might demonstrate this habit.  Staff will then be asked to ‘practice’ or demonstrate this habit throughout the month, and other staff members will make note of this.  Directors will also reinforce the use of this habit during supervision. At the end of the month, Directors will gather information from staff and direct observation about the habit and will give positive feedback at the next staff meeting.  Staff are also encouraged to share their experiences of other staff displaying the value or habit.  Small prizes will also be awarded, but the main initiative is to encourage staff to embrace the values of KVC and of quality work.   “My hope is that all staff will embrace the importance of this project,” notes Ms. Osborne. “It will take everyone to engage in learning about these values and then put them into practice to make them a habit.”

Osborne launched Make It a Habit at the February West Virginia staff meeting.  The first value for the initiative is Volunteering.  Staff have been asked to find volunteering opportunities in their community, within KVC as an agency, and within their own offices and families.  So far, Osborne reports seeing small acts of kindness within her offices and hopes that this will grow as use of the initiative grows.  “I have seen staff members step up to help others who are having a difficult time.  I have also noticed that our staff are very open to discussing the other positive things that their colleagues are doing.  I hope this continues as we explore more about what this initiative can mean for us internally and for others in the community.”

As KVC West Virginia embraces the practice of volunteering, we are always looking for ways that we can help in our communities.  We are also looking for those who are willing to donate their time or efforts to KVC initiatives.  If you are interested in volunteering with KVC or have items to donate, please contact us today!