A group of employees at Children’s Minnesota joined together to support their colleagues through the pandemic. Their effort, called the Compassion Project, is focused on providing employees who are out of work due to personal illness with resources they may need, as well as items to brighten their day.
“We know that now more than ever it’s so important that we show up for one another compassionately. We all want to come to work and put the most amazing people on earth first, but sometimes we have to take care of ourselves first and we want to provide the support that our colleagues need in order to do that well,” said Shelly Nauertz, senior diversity and inclusion consultant, equity and inclusion team.
Since August, the group has delivered more than 30 gift baskets to colleagues, with items to help them in their recovery or during time at home. In addition, the Employee Health Services team has provided an electronic resource booklet available to staff with COVID-19 and to those who have ill family members.
“We’ve heard from employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 that it can be a very isolating and stressful experience. Our goal with the Compassion Project was to gather items and support resources that can bring a smile to their face and provide them with resources to help them through this difficult time,” said Meghan Delgado, RN, BSN, manager of Employee Health Services. “We’ve heard from employees who have received a basket how much it meant to them to know that the leadership team and their colleagues are thinking of them.”
“Thank you so much for the thoughtful get-well box,” said one recipient. “I loved the box. It made me feel thought of during this difficult time.”