Empowerment Exchange – Unveiling the Advantages of an Employee Bulletin Board
One of the most rewarding and simple motivational things I have implemented was a team bulletin board and information center. Overall, the employee bulletin board is a powerful tool for strengthening workplace bonds by facilitating communication, encouraging recognition, promoting collaboration, and facilitating social interaction.
On a blank wall in our employee kitchen, I mounted an inexpensive magnetic chalkboard and some 4×8 open-top containers. Add a few chalk pens and magnets, plus some creativity, and you will have the beginnings of a fun way to communicate with and draw your team together. It has served as a vital tool for strengthening workplace associations in many ways.
Let Your Imagination Run Wild!
We decorate the background with colorful displays appropriate for the season or holiday. We change them every month or two to keep them fresh. Each employee has an open-top container arranged along the side of the bulletin board. Each is decorated with a photo or sign to indicate which box belongs to whom. For example, display a photo of the employee with their favorite pet to identify each box.
Here is a list of the other things displayed:
- Calendar of upcoming events: This shows upcoming holidays, birthdays, employee outings, and other special events.
- Statistics: A simple report showing a few KPIs (key performance indicators) from the last month.
- Goals: A small reminder of goals we hope to achieve for the practice.
- Quote of the week: This is one of my favorite spaces. Inspiring, motivational, or just thoughtful, everyone looks forward to what will turn up there.
- Patient reviews: We select reviews from the previous few weeks and post a collage of them for all to see.
- Special employee event information: At least quarterly, I try to organize social events for the employees. Glass fusing, escape rooms, pottery throwing, and painting workshops are just a few. All the details about the event are placed here.
- Suggestion box with pen and paper: Any suggestions can be given anonymously if desired. It’s also an excellent place for the team to suggest social media subjects.
- Recognition slips: This is a pad of forms to give fellow employees kudos. The slips are a way to commend each other when something is done above and beyond the norm.
- Fun photos: Random photos of the team. These are not for public sharing; they are just fun shots of us at work or doing things together.
Games and Prizes
Every week, I place a small prize into each box. On Valentine’s Day, they became receptacles for others to share a card or treat. Occasionally, team members will participate too by placing a small prize in these boxes. It’s all for fun and sharing. Some examples of prizes are kazoos, puzzles, lottery tickets, gift cards, stickers, socks, and so on. When I feel extra creative, I hide a bigger prize in the office and create a riddle they must solve to find the prize. This game is especially popular.
If you have access to a laminating machine, it works great to make a background for some of the various displayed items and change up the information using a wet or dry-erase pen. Another tip to keep the team engaged is having a surprise test question about the board, such as who wrote the week’s quote or how many five-star reviews were posted. Simple small prizes (coffee card, cash, special pens, etc.) for everyone who gets a correct answer are fun and lead to everyone paying closer attention to the board.
By fostering a sense of connection and camaraderie among employees, the bulletin board contributes to a positive and cohesive work culture where employees feel supported, engaged, and motivated to succeed together.
About the Author
Catherine Maurer, MAADOM
Cathy started in her father’s practice in 1969, helping in the lab and developing X-rays the old-fashioned way. In the 55 years since, she has embraced the tremendous scientific and technological advancements in dentistry, working with her team to apply them to the benefit of the practice’s patients. As a former Dentrix trainer and salesperson, she is keenly aware of the benefits of software-driven practice management. She recently project-managed the design and build-out of a new office facility. One, which, through the passion and quality of care provided by the entire team, was just named Best Dentist of all the practices in her hometown of Lake Oswego. Cathy is currently VP of the Portland, Oregon DPLN, and a lifetime member of AADOM.
