Society for Healthcare Volunteer Leaders - Benefits given to active volunteers

Tuesday, February 04, 2014 11:00 AM

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Message # 1490260

Anonymous

We have enlarged our facility and are searching for volunteers to fill assignments in new areas for us. It was suggested there may be benefits we do not offer that might entice potential volunteers and create loyalty in current membership. Right now we are providing:

Complimentary meal Flu shots Preferred parking Banquet (with gift)

Inclusion into all employee incentive, recognition, and/or reward programs

Christmas ham Discounted uniform

We have discussed and eliminated:

Health Center membership (many already have a free membership via their insurances)

Discount on care (wrong message)

Any ideas, suggestions or new approaches? I do seem to be stalled in filling the requests I receive for mature individuals.

Tuesday, February 04, 2014 12:12 PM

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Reply # 1490345 on 1490260

Deleted user

You are definitely offering more benefits then we are! I think we are all struggling with filling for those "must have" volunteer assignments these days. Those consistent mature volunteers dont exist now the way they used too. I am interested to hear what others may be doing to overcome this shortage.

Wednesday, February 05, 2014 9:05 AM

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Reply # 1491154 on 1490260

Anonymous

Doesn't sound like we're offering anything very different in benefits...we just continue to shake the trees to hope that new volunteers fall out--encouraging current volunteers to spread the word seems to work best when recruiting.

•3.1.1 Jacket provided when appropriate (or apron or Polo)

•3.1.2 Name badge and service pins w/ribbon

•3.1.3 Complimentary fountain beverages in café

•3.1.4 Discount on food purchases in the cafeteria

•3.1.5 Birthday meal ticket

•3.1.6 Winter Holiday party and gifts

•3.1.7 National Volunteer Week special activities

•3.1.8 Annual Recognition Celebration and gift

•3.1.9 Participation in special events and trainings

•3.1.10 Invitations to lectures, programs and activities.

Wednesday, February 05, 2014 10:54 AM

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Reply # 1491240 on 1490260

Anonymous

We offer free tb and flu sots, 10% discount in gift shop and cafeteria, meal if you work more than 6 hours, discount to join, the fitness center, and a holiday ornament.

i think you offer superb benefits and agree that type of volunteer is just not there anymore.

Wednesday, February 05, 2014 11:03 AM

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Reply # 1491247 on 1490260

Carol Biagini (Administrator)

most everything mentioned by others we do.

We also provide access to our outpatient pharmacy if someone does not have an RX plan - we do not bill third party insurance.

Discount on unpaid balance for services if paid in full.

I encourgage mature - exceptional volunteers to volunteer two days vs the standard one.

Sometimes trying to get management to understand volunteers primarily are retired professionals and want to be busy and do meaningful tasks can be the challenge

Wednesday, February 05, 2014 11:39 AM

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Reply # 1491300 on 1490260

Deleted user

Leslie,

We are offering the same "benefits" you have listed. However, we do not charge for uniforms.

Approximately 5 or so years ago I began a "Retention & Recruitment (R&R)" program. I belive some others are doing this as well. I organize R&R trips once every 4 months or so. I choose a location of interest (maybe historical, maybe a show, etc.) and hire a bus. I do a mass mailing to all volunteers (active and inactive- some may be interested in returning) outline the cost of the trip i.e. fee to special event and bus charge. Volunteers are permitted to bring friends/family. Their is not a cost for the hospital, we split the cost among those attending. My goal was two fold. One, to create a family atmosphere, create friendships and loyalty. Second, recruitment- those individuals the active volunteer brings with them is a potential new volunteer.

Of course I do all the usual stuff as well, send hand written thank you notes, get-well cards, thinking of you. Sometimes rather than mail them I place note in their coat pocket- just a nice surprise and sometimes I leave on their car windshield- when weather is good an that appears to be rare where I am:)

Good luck and please post any new ideas others have.

Thanks

Wednesday, February 05, 2014 7:05 PM

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Reply # 1491718 on 1490260

Patricia Wright

We offer most of the same benefits you and others have listed. For the meal, I now say it is $6 toward a meal instead of a "free meal". We also do not charge for uniforms.

I don't think people volunteer for me to get the benefits; most are surprised that we offer so much when they sign on.

I have had success in holding an "informational" event on campus, advertising throughout the community and asking for RSVPs. Then I highlight only about 4 or 5 areas and have a person at each round table who is knowledgeable about that area. Folks can rotate among the tables, gathering information to see if any of the offerings suit their skills.

Good luck.

Patty

Thursday, February 06, 2014 9:03 AM

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Reply # 1492146 on 1490260

Deleted user

We give most of the same benefits I have read here. Our people have to work a 4 hr. shift to get a free meal. They do not pay for uniforms. I am now offering a "program" for free about 4-6 times per year that any active volunteer may attend. The programs vary in subject; could be a health topic, an income management topic, a craft making, etc. It is announced in their newsletter that goes out each month. Our appreciation luncheon in April is a big deal also. We give out plenty of accolades with the executives on hand to hear. We send birthday cards and WOW cards to anyone caught doing something above and beyond the basics.

Thursday, February 06, 2014 11:11 AM

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Reply # 1492221 on 1490260

Denise Steffich

We seem to offer about the same as everyone else. We also offer discounts in our pharmacy on over-the-counter items. We do a Skip Day in May when the hospital sends the active volunteers to an event (i.e., Ice capades show, Museum, Theater, etc.) this year we will allow them to bring a friend/spouse who will have to pay for their ticket. They get a free meal in the cafeteria for every 3 hours they volunteer. They get a 25% discount in gift shop in their birthday month. And yes it is more difficult to find those who will commit to a weekly schedule for those must-cover places. I'd love to hear more.