In leading a large team, it’s the small things that matter

In the working space, there is a tendency to see people as machines that are programmed to work and deliver results. Sometimes, we forget that it is people with feelings and real-life experiences that do the work. To be a healthcare worker is to walk in a calling of service beyond self. It is one that involves sacrifice, empathy and compassion. One word for this profession? Noble!

This is one of the many reasons why health care officials must be acknowledged and appreciated. Studies have shown that intrinsic motivation such as celebrating employees especially on their birthdays are powerful drivers for engendering a culture of trust, commitment and job satisfaction. Giving an employee special recognition on their birthday or for work done, makes them feel valued and recognized, which in turn makes them more likely to want to do more. However, within the commotion of working in an evolving health sector especially during a pandemic, such gestures are easily forgotten.

Cross section of staff at the birthday ceremony for staff of the Ministry

In these uncertain times, it is periodically necessary to recognize, commend and celebrate with team members, first thanking God for the gift of life and then motivating each other to continually push for excellence.

Together with the Permanent Secretary, we celebrated members of the team born in January

Recently, we celebrated various milestones with staff of the Ministry of Health and Human Services. Birthdays for those born in the months of January, February and March, retiring staff of the ministry who had been in service for 35 years and our immediate past permanent secretary, who moved to a different ministry.

Birthday cakes for staff members born in the months of January, February and March 2021

We took the opportunity to appreciate the relentless efforts in providing quality health services for the people of Ekiti and appreciated the retiring staff for their dedication, loyalty and commitment to duty during their years of service. The smiles on their faces and the appreciation of the gesture really proved the saying “it’s the little things that matter”.

Mrs Ajetomobi and Mrs Awe (represented by her son) worked in the Ministry until their retirement

Mrs Awe (represented by her son) was in charge of our Malaria department and spent 35 years in service

Members of staff alongside the retirees at the sendforth

Although not retired, we also celebrated our former Permanent Secretary Dr Mrs Olomojobi (in purple) as she moved to a different ministry

Mrs Ajetomobi with her sons at the sendforth

Beyond celebrations, prioritizing staff welfare by ensuring the work environment is conducive goes a long way to improve productivity, dedication and retention. With support from our partners (Management Sciences for Health MSH), we recently procured and installed a 7.5 KVA solar inverter to provide uninterrupted power supply to the Ministry of Health. This development will significantly reduce the running cost of the office complex, and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases toward environmental preservation. Having constant electricity also helps allay the security concerns that staff may have about working safely, even beyond closing hours if they choose to.

Newly installed 7.5kva solar inverter ensures key staff are able to remain productive during work hours

With batteries to store energy, we can reduce running cost associated with fuelling generators

Asides the job of ensuring quality health service delivery through the implementation of high-impact health focused programmes, I will continue to invest in the people who do the work. I consider it a privilege to serve my State in the capacity of a Commissioner and with 542 days left for me in office, I will continually celebrate the team, the milestones, and every achievement, bearing in mind that it is humans that do the work and create meaningful change.