To boost employee morale, HERO wellness carts are making their rounds at Hershey Medical Center, proving that small gestures can go a long way to refuel tired spirits.
“Our frontline staff are really heroes, and we were looking for ways to provide anything that would help support their physical and mental health,” said Stephanie Reed, nurse manager, pediatric oncology, and member of the Employee Morale and Wellness Team tasked with uplifting staff.
Six carts, repurposed from other areas of the hospital that don’t need them currently, round to frontline employees, delivering water, snacks, inspirational booklets, stickers and most of all, thanks. The Hershey Company donated 1,000 chocolate bars to the cause, and Utz Quality Foods donated bags of potato chips for the cart and other provider sites. Stress reliever balls and minty items to freshen breath trapped behind a mask are coming up.
It’s not unusual to see clinical staff leaders or senior executives of Penn State Health’sleadership team manning the carts.
“We’re all feeling so isolated right now, so when people physically show up, it connects in a way that online engagement just can’t do,” said David Simmons, director of pastoral services, and leader of the Employee Morale and Wellness Team.
Staff feedback has been “amazing,” Reed said.
“It’s really a basic thing, but it makes people feel validated,” she said. “We recognize this is a really difficult time. Our message is that we’re here to support you so you can take better care of yourself and, ultimately, your patients.”