“I enjoy the collaborative environment in my workplace. Working with talented and supportive colleagues not only boosts productivity but also makes each day enjoyable.” says one of our employees.
At our organization, we understand that success often comes from effective team efforts. We believe that stepping out of our comfort zone and still achieving our goals motivates us to take the next step. When people collaborate and support each other, drawing on their diverse skills and perspectives, we achieve more than any one person could achieve alone. Accepting uncomfortable tasks is a sign of growth and innovation, pushing us toward greater achievements. It's about encouraging each other to take risks, try new approaches, and learn from failures. By fostering a culture that values teamwork and wants to go beyond comfort zones, we create an environment where both personal and organizational success thrive.
Most of the members of our organization are dentists. Some of them perform functions other than those for which they have been trained. Through group and individual training meetings, we were able to convey to them the tasks we want them to perform. These new tasks were received with enthusiasm, as they took them as a challenge that encouraged them to learn more. The rest of the team also fulfills roles outside their profession which complements our plans and goals.
For example, we are incredibly proud of one of our staff member, who recently became a dentist and got to studied a master's degree in Public Health Management, for her remarkable dedication and skill in managing three critical roles within our organization. Balancing the responsibilities of an administrator, project coordinator, and receptionist requires lots of different skills to fulfill the work and a strong work ethic, which she consistently demonstrates. Her commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to us all, showing the impact of hard work and dedication to achieving success on multiple fronts. She knows the public health terminology and activities of all the projects we carry out. When necessary, she also performs dental cleanings at the Cusco Dental Clinic and the Marampaqui Medical Center. One of the things she is passionate about is caring for animals, especially when she brings food for abandoned dogs in the city and in the countryside. This kind of things encourage us to be a better person.
Being culturally sensitive
Another interesting case on our team is that we have a nurse and a health promotor who culturally understands their patients and we believe that they are a model of compassionate care. By recognizing and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds, we foster trust and understanding in our patients, which are crucial to effective healthcare. Their sensitivity to cultural nuances ensures patients feel heard and valued, leading to better outcomes. They embody the essence of patient-centered care and enriches the healthcare experience for all. The reason for this ability is that they both are from the same region, from a couple of high-altitude Andean villages, surrounded by mountains, animals and crop fields. That is the reason they understand our patients from a different perspective.
The rest of the team learns from this experience, during the medical dental campaigns that we do. Thanks to both of them, we know and understand that there are activities that we must do based on their own rules and not under our rules. In this way, we managed to advance our relations with the village, achieving greater respect and trust. The residents love this way of acting of our team.
Work environment
Creating a pleasant work environment is essential to foster productivity, creativity and team member satisfaction. Encouraging open communication by establishing feedback and collaboration channels through social networks (we generally use WhatsApp), calls and in-person meetings, allows for permanent communication and therefore we are constantly updated on the latest events within the team.
Recognizing and celebrating achievements to boost morale and create a positive atmosphere is something we want to preserve. Also offer opportunities for development and professional growth to show employees that their contributions are valued and that they have a future within the organization.
Inclusion and diversity are part of us, where every voice is heard and respected. Through regular meetings we hear everyone by paying attention on their concerns, worries and even their achievements. These meetings may lead us to promote work-life balance by offering flexible schedules when possible. By prioritizing the well-being and happiness of our employees, we cultivate a thriving, supportive work environment where everyone can excel. One of our staff says “I enjoy the collaborative environment in my workplace. Working with talented and supportive colleagues not only boosts productivity but also makes each day enjoyable.”
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows
On many occasions we have dealt with stress individually and as a team. Working in a healthcare facility can be rewarding, but it also comes with some stressful elements. Managing stress effectively is crucial to maintaining well-being and providing quality care. Our strategy is to prioritize self-care, including regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep. Setting realistic goals, both at work and in our personal life, can also help reduce stress.
Effective communication is key in a healthcare facility environment. It is important to express concerns and seek support from colleagues and superiors. Building a support network with each other can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation and marginalization. It may also be beneficial to engage in stress-reducing activities, such as fellowship gatherings including birthday celebrations, karaoke outings, and group hikings. Next time, we plan to go to the hot spring pools which are near Marampaqui.
In our team, we usually say "Deal with your problems before the sun goes down" thus avoiding taking problems home and keeping them unsolved for a long period of time. When people face their personal problems or with another colleague in time, we reduce the bad feelings that these experiences can generate. Workers can better cope with the demands of their jobs. Every team member has its very important role that contributes to our success. It’s great to work together so we can make a better world.
June 2024
