Professional Goals Creating a Sense of Belonging to Foster Engagement as a Staff Respiratory Therapist

Abstract

Background:

Gallup's report, How Millennials Want to Work and Live, indicate 87% of millennials rate professional or career growth and development opportunities as important to job satisfaction. Gallup found that opportunities to learn and grow as one of the top three factors in job retention among millennial staff. The human desire to learn and grow is essential. Individualized professional development plans identify experiences and goals to meet this desire. Belonging has emerged as the top employee experience driver linked to engagement and well-being. When respiratory therapists (RTs) feel recognized and cared for, when there are opportunities to learn, grow, and share their opinions, this creates a sense of belonging which links to engagement. The purpose of our initiative was to find tactics to improve the Gallup Employee Engagement Belonging Index.

Methods:

All respiratory care staff were provided a development needs analysis template to establish individual and attainable goals using the SMART model (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely). The Respiratory Care Service Development Specialist communicated RTs' individual goals to their direct supervisor. A summary of goals was added to a spreadsheet with individual follow-up scheduled to review progress. In April 2022, all RTs were sent the annual Gallup Employee Engagement Survey to rate multiple statements including: There is a clearly defined path to growth and development in my current role, and This last year, I have had opportunities at work to learn and grow.

Results:

98% of the Professional Development Plan goals were returned and communicated (n = 202). 77% of the RTs had progress reviews and actions completed. RTs rated the clearly defined path and learn-and-grow statements significantly higher than the previous year’s survey.

Conclusions:

Results indicated that greater access to resources supporting learning and opportunities for professional growth initiated by staff RTs were connected to increased departmental engagement. Increasing the staff engagement survey score related to the overall element of Belonging. A sense of belonging provides substantial opportunities to produce more innovative ideas, build better relationships, and increase productivity. By providing opportunities for professional development, leadership is investing in RTs' growth and ultimately strengthening the organization.