Central Texas Medical Center knows that employee recognition and camaraderie is healthy for the workplace. As part of its ongoing recognition efforts, the hospital hosted an Employee Art Show and social hour for its 600 employees on Thursday, February 5. More than 75 entries were received for this first event, including photography, oil painting, stained glass, quilts, pottery and wood-carvings. A wooden bench that was created by Richard Sanchez was awarded first place by popular vote. Susan McQuinn won 2nd place for a knitted sweater. Rachel Valdez (custom cakes) and Susan Meyer (tile topped table) tied for 3rd. The items were displayed in a gallery setting with music and hors d’ouevres served by CTMC leadership.
CTMC hosts employee socials every other month to allow staff from different departments and opposite shifts the chance for fellowship and engagement. Recently the socials have added a healthy dose of competition with games such as a survivor obstacle course, a dessert bake-off and a trivia contest. The range of events offers different personalities the chance to shine. Saundra Damuth, one of the trivia contest winners, explains, “This new format for events is so much more engaging than gathering for cake and taking it back to your desk. I had a blast!”
Krystal Gomez, Performance Improvement Manager, heads the CTMC Associate Recognition & Engagement (CARE) Team. “We added the art show to give our employees a way to showcase their personal talents. We knew that many of our staff had these amazing skills that they were enjoying on the weekends and wanted to share with their co-workers.” The new approach requires more planning and creativity, but generates enthusiasm and great memories. For more information about adding employee socials to your business, call Krystal at 753.3776.