CASE STUDY Baystate Health’s Holiday Recognition Program

BACKGROUND:

Baystate Health, a prominent multihospital system in Western Massachusetts with over 13,000 employees, has been committed to recognizing and appreciating its workforce. Seeking a partner for their recognition programs, Baystate collaborated with C.A. Short, a leading recognition and engagement solutions provider. The partnership extends beyond a vendor-customer relationship, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendship.

PREVIOUS COLLABORATION:

Before the holiday program, Baystate and C.A. Short successfully collaborated on a Years of Service program, recognizing specific employee groups for their dedication. This positive experience laid the foundation for a more extensive and impactful initiative.

THE CHALLENGE:

Baystate Health faced the challenge of recognizing all employees during the holiday season. With a diverse and dispersed workforce, including remote employees, the traditional approach of distributing gifts on site was impractical. The goal was to create a meaningful and personalized experience for every employee, acknowledging their contributions during a challenging year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE SOLUTION:

Working closely with C.A. Short, Baystate Health decided on a holiday solution that allowed employees to choose a gift of their preference, shipped directly to their homes. The collaboration focused on streamlining the process, ensuring personalization, and addressing the logistical challenges posed by the widespread employee base.

1.Communication Strategy: 
  • A customized holiday card was mailed to every from Baystate’s leadership. 
  • Follow-up email communications were sent, creating a multi-channel approach to reachemployees effectively. 
2. Gift Options: 
  • Employees were given the choice of selecting from a curated list of six items, each featuring the Baystate Health logo.
  • The gift options included jackets, fleece vests, tumblers, and blankets, providing a range of choices for diverse preferences. 
3. Administrative Support: 
  • C.A. Short’s admin portal streamlined the redemption process, allowing Baystate’s team to track orders, identify participants, and manage the program efficiently. 
  • Email reminders were automatically sent to employees who hadn’t redeemed their gifts, minimizing the need for manual oversight.
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RESULTS:

High Participation Rate: 

  • Despite the logistical challenges of a large and dispersed workforce, the program achieved a  remarkable 90% participation rate among 13,000 employees. 
  • The success was attributed to a robust communication strategy, personalized messages, and  the appeal of the gift options. 

Employee Feedback: 

  • Baystate received numerous  heartfelt emails expressing  gratitude from employees  who were pleasantly surprised and touched by the  recognition. 
  • Employees shared stories of  how the program positively  impacted their families and  created a sense of connection  during a time of social distancing. 

Leadership Engagement:

  • Senior leadership at Baystate  Health expressed excitement  and pride in the program’s  success, recognizing the  positive impact on employee  morale. 
  • The program became a catalyst for increased engagement and camaraderie  among team members.

Positive Ripple Effect:

  • The recognition program not only boosted employee morale but also had a positive ripple effect in  the community. 
  • Employees proudly wearing their Baystate Health-branded gifts became ambassadors, sharing  stories of the organization’s compassionate care and community impact.

CONCLUSION:

Baystate Health’s Holiday Recognition Program, in collaboration with C.A. Short, exemplifies the power of strategic employee recognition. The program successfully overcame logistical challenges, engaged a diverse workforce, and created a lasting positive impact on both employees and the community. The collaboration between Baystate and C.A. Short continues to strengthen, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating every team member’s contributions.

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