November 25, 2024
When it comes to recruiting, one principle stands out in Geovanni Torres’ approach:
Take care of your people, and they will take care of your patients and clients.
As a recruiter for patient transport and EVS at Rochester General Hospital, Geovanni knows how to find the right people for the job. By showing empathy and understanding the needs of both candidates and customers, he's built a reputation for excellence. His ability to create a positive and supportive work environment, in partnership with the leadership team, not only motivates the current team but also attracts top talent to join the organization.
Creating a Lasting Impression
Patient transport is much more than moving individuals from point A to point B. As Geovanni explains, transport staff often encounter patients during vulnerable moments. A friendly smile, a thoughtful question, or even a brief, kind conversation can leave a lasting impression.
Geovanni recognizes that finding the right people for the patient transport role is crucial to creating lasting positive impressions. By carefully selecting individuals who possess empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others, he ensures that patients receive the highest level of care.
“Patients are often receiving bad news or feeling stressed during their hospital stay. Our team has a unique opportunity to make their day better, even for a few minutes,” Geovanni shares. “At HHS, we reinforce the importance of being pleasant, smiling, making eye contact, and connecting with patients on a personal level.”
The Power of Recognition
To ensure high retention rates, Geovanni collaborates closely with the management team to develop and implement a comprehensive recognition and rewards strategy.
“Recognition is crucial,” he emphasizes. “It helps team members feel valued and appreciated, boosting motivation, engagement, and loyalty—not only to HHS but to the clients we serve. Simple gestures can go a long way.”
Geovanni uses a mix of personalized and creative recognition strategies, including:
- Thank-you cards for going the extra mile.
- Team celebrations when monthly performance scores improve.
- Daily shoutouts during team huddles to acknowledge outstanding work.
- Transport Week activities, where the team enjoys treats like donuts, popcorn, and ice cream, a taco potluck, and certificates of recognition.
He also believes in tailoring recognition to individual preferences. “Some team members might love a free lunch, while others value a handwritten note. Listening to your team and personalizing recognition makes it even more meaningful.”
Celebrating Transport Week 2024
Celebrating Milestones
Geovanni isn't just focused on finding top talent; he's also committed to retaining it. By working closely with HHS leadership, they've implemented strategies to create a positive and rewarding work environment.
During the team’s one-year anniversary, the department celebrated with gift cards and branded items. For Employee of the Month and similar initiatives, Geovanni’s connections with local vendors help secure fun prizes like gift baskets and gift cards, adding excitement to the recognition process.
“We make sure everyone feels included, even in small departments,” Geovanni explains. “Whether it’s through raffles, games, or events like the EVS Olympics, it’s about fostering camaraderie and showing our team we care.”
Team members celebrate HHS' one-year anniversary at Rochester Regional Health
The Ripple Effect
The results of Geovanni’s efforts are clear. Happier team members lead to better patient experiences, higher engagement, and improved retention. “When you take care of your team, they mirror that care in their interactions with patients.”
This ripple effect doesn’t just stop with patients. When the team is happy, their work improves, boosting performance and client satisfaction. By investing in his team, Geovanni creates a cycle of positivity that benefits everyone involved. This approach also helps to secure a steady pipeline of talented individuals who are attracted to the positive work culture and want to join the team.
Building Stronger Teams
By prioritizing employee satisfaction and building a strong, positive team culture, Geovanni has not only improved retention rates but has also made the patient transport department an attractive destination for top talent.
Through his dedication to recognition, Geovanni has helped recruit a team that feels seen, supported, and motivated. His approach exemplifies how thoughtful recruiting practices can create a positive workplace culture while driving retention and performance.
“Taking care of your team doesn’t just make work more enjoyable—it makes the entire organization stronger,” Geovanni says. “And that’s something we can all strive for.”