Top Workplace Culture Tactics to Recruit and Retain First Responders
Creating a culture where employees feel comfortable, respected, and heard is imperative if you want to attract and retain top talent at your organization. The first responder workforce is no different. Fostering a healthy environment can help your police officers, firefighters, and medical personnel respond to the trauma they will meet within the field. In fact, research has shown that first responders are at a higher risk of developing a mental health condition than the general working population. Because of this alarming statistic, it’s vital to create dialogues around these issues, provide programs for those suffering, and share resources to help them lead a healthier life. Today the experts at 9-ONE-1 Marketing share several tactics to improve workplace culture so you can recruit and retain top talent.
Teaching Healthy Habits at the Workplace
In recent years, there has been more discussion about first responders and the mental health issues they face at work. While seen as authority figures within their communities, behind the scenes they are repeatedly exposed to distressing situations, violence, and trauma. Maintaining personal mental health and wellness can be difficult if the workplace environment is adverse or unhealthy. Below we highlight how you can teach healthy habits in your organization and create a positive work environment that helps place the right people in the right jobs at the right times—and keeps them there!
Encourage Communication
The best way to build a positive workplace environment is to encourage communication. Whether you hold weekly meetings or monthly talks, facilitating a place where employees can speak their minds and easily communicate with each other will make everyone’s job more pleasant.
Provide Training
Offering advanced training demonstrates you’re committed to your employee’s growth and success at your organization. Growth comes to a halt when employees feel like they can’t break away and pursue new training opportunities.
Employ the Asher Model
The Asher Model is a seven-point approach created and named after police officer Asher Rosinsky, who took his own life while serving his community one day. The method aims to create an environment of “It’s OK to not be OK” among first responders. The seven points include:
- Awareness: Create an environment where “It’s OK to not be OK.” Encouraging open and honest discussions with employees about wellness will generate companionship and comfort.
- Solution-focused approach: Spend more time concentrating on solutions, rather than just the problems.
- Peer support: Cultivate a proactive support system between you and employees where they can share whatever is going on in their lives.
- Resiliency: Take the time to educate employees on resiliency, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and signs of PTSD. You can also share daily wellness exercises like deep breathing and meditation.
- Healthy habits: A healthy mind starts with a healthy body. Try encouraging physical fitness activities and healthy eating habits throughout your organization.
- Spirituality: Start a spirituality program for all interested personnel.
- Family: Families are the backbone of your first responders. From the orientation process forward, ensure you involve them every step of the way.
Provide Growth Opportunities
No one likes to feel like they’re in a dead-end job. Showcase upward mobility opportunities so your employees always feel like they can improve and grow within their roles. Remember, you won’t retain people who don’t see growth potential.
Improving Workplace Culture With 9-ONE-1 Marketing
If your organization is seeking culture tactics to recruit and retain talent, contact the professionals at 9-ONE-1 Marketing today. We have years of experience helping first responders and their organizations build a culture that incentivizes and recognizes its members. Contact us at (484) 673-0385 to learn more.