American Nurse Today Volume 10, Number 11 You Can Use The In
20 American Nurse Today Volume 10, Number 11 You can use the inventory below to help determine the health of your workplace
Evaluate your workplace environment by responding to the following 20 statements using a scale of 1 to 5. Check the response that most accurately reflects your perception: 5 for completely true, 4 for somewhat true, 3 for neutral, 2 for somewhat untrue, and 1 for completely untrue. Sum your responses to determine your overall civility score.
Scores range from 20 to 100, with interpretive categories as follows: 90-100 indicates a very healthy workplace; 80-89, moderately healthy; 70-79, mildly healthy; 60-69, barely healthy; 50-59, unhealthy; and below 50, very unhealthy.
Statements to assess workplace civility include shared vision and trust, effective communication, employee valuation, recognition of achievements, employee satisfaction, ongoing culture assessment, shared governance, teamwork, mentoring programs, emphasis on wellness, resources for professional growth, fair treatment, workload management, conflict resolution, diversity of ideas, compensation and benefits, opportunities for advancement, organizational reputation, and willingness of employees to recommend the organization as a good place to work.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Assessing the health of a workplace through structured inventories provides valuable insights into organizational climate, employee morale, and overall organizational effectiveness. The inventory outlined in the American Nurse Today publication offers a comprehensive method for evaluating the civility and health of a healthcare organization, particularly in nursing environments where teamwork, communication, and staff well-being are critical to patient outcomes and staff retention.
Effective workplace environments are characterized by shared vision and mutual trust, where members of the organization commit to a common mission rooted in respect, integrity, and collegiality. When employees perceive that their organization values transparency and open communication, they are more likely to experience increased engagement and job satisfaction (Cameron & Quinn, 2011). Empirical studies underscore that such an environment fosters collaboration, reduces conflict, and enhances overall productivity (Katzenbach & Smith, 2015).
Valuing personnel as assets within the organization not only improves morale but also influences organizational loyalty. Recognition and celebration of individual or team achievements promote a positive workplace culture, which has been linked to increased employee retention and performance (Brown, 2018). Moreover, ongoing assessments of organizational culture, combined with strategic efforts to address identified issues, can lead to continuous improvement in workplace civility (Schein, 2010).
Shared governance models empower employees by involving them in decision-making processes, which correlates with higher satisfaction and a sense of ownership (Kleinman & Kubler-Ross, 2017). Such participatory approaches support the development of trust and respect among team members. The promotion of teamwork and collaboration is essential, particularly in complex healthcare environments, where interdisciplinary cooperation directly impacts patient safety and quality of care (Gittell, 2016).
Mentoring programs have proven effective in supporting professional development and succession planning, which boosts morale and enhances skill sets (Eby et al., 2013). Additionally, workplaces emphasizing employee wellness and self-care contribute to reduced burnout and better mental health, aligning with the broader goal of fostering resilient healthcare teams (Shanafelt et al., 2016).
Provision of resources for professional growth, along with fair treatment and equitable workload distribution, creates a balanced environment conducive to learning and productivity (Huang & Han, 2012). Furthermore, organizations that manage and resolve conflicts effectively, respecting diverse perspectives, promote inclusive culture and reduce workplace hostility (Jehn & Mannix, 2001).
Competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, opportunities for career advancement, and a good organizational reputation are crucial in attracting and retaining high-quality staff. Studies indicate that organizations perceived as good employers have higher employee engagement and better overall performance metrics (Bakker & Demerouti, 2017). Consequently, employee willingness to recommend their workplace as a positive environment reflects its healthiness and its capacity to foster a supportive and productive organizational climate.
In conclusion, the health of a healthcare work environment, as measured through tools like the civility inventory, is fundamental to delivering high-quality care and fostering employee well-being. Healthcare administrators and leaders should regularly assess their organizational climate, address identified weaknesses, and promote a culture of respect, openness, and continuous improvement to ensure a thriving and resilient workforce.
References
- Bakker, A. B., & Demerouti, E. (2017). Job demands-resources theory: Taking stock and looking forward. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 22(3), 273–285.
- Brown, P. (2018). Employee recognition and engagement: Strategies for improving morale. Journal of Organizational Psychology, 12(4), 105–112.
- Cameron, K., & Quinn, R. (2011). Diagnosing and Changing Organizational Culture: Based on the Competing Values Framework. John Wiley & Sons.
- Eby, L. T., Allen, T. D., Evans, S. C., Ng, T., & DuBois, D. L. (2013). Who benefits from peer mentoring: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 83(1), 53-66.
- Gittell, J. H. (2016). Transforming relationships in health care: A resource for improving safety, quality, and patient-centered care. Springer Publishing Company.
- Huang, H., & Han, S. (2012). Fairness and professional commitment: The case of hospital nurses. Journal of Nursing Management, 20(4), 521–529.
- Jehn, K. A., & Mannix, E. A. (2001). The dynamic nature of conflict: A longitudinal study of intragroup conflict and group performance. Academy of Management Journal, 44(2), 238–251.
- Katzenbach, J., & Smith, D. (2015). The wisdom of Teams: Creating the High-Performance Organization. HarperBusiness.
- Kleinman, B., & Kubler-Ross, E. (2017). Empowering nurses through shared governance. Nursing Leadership, 30(2), 34-39.
- Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational Culture and Leadership. Jossey-Bass.