When Margaret Otero, patient access manager at University of Miami Hospital, reviewed the results of the Gallup Faculty and Staff Engagement Survey and saw below-average marks in the area of employee relationships, she knew she had to do something to build camaraderie and trust among her staff of 30.
“It’s difficult to provide excellent customer service to our patients when you cannot trust your team members to have your back,” said Otero. “I needed to figure out a way to bring everyone together and motivate them to work as a true team.”
So Otero, a breast cancer survivor, and her coworkers decided to participate in an event that would not only build team chemistry but also help save lives. Representing Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, she and the other Patient Access employees laced up their sneakers on October 28 for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer at Hard Rock Stadium, raising more than $200 for the cause and boosting employee morale to boot.
“We were already doing these things separately, so it made sense to get together and choose an event to participate in as a team,” said Otero. “I have participated in several races as a breast cancer survivor myself, and I know the kind of bond it creates among your fellow runners.”
Otero’s team is looking forward to the next event—as colleagues and friends.
