Is it really true that good deeds don't go unnoticed?

I work in a hospital and I have the opportunity to meet a lot of people from all walks of life in a daily basis. I meet patients, visitors, vendors as well as colleagues each day. So what qualifies as good deeds? How about greeting everyone that you came across? A smile? A hello? And when you see someone who could use your assistance, do you offer your help? A good deed doesn't have to be in the news and it certainly doesn't have to be complicated. It is supposed to be simple- a way of life. I get to know a lot of people by smiling at them and by greeting them. I once met someone who told me they could use a hug and I gave her a hug. I invited patients or visitors who have lunch by themselves to have lunch with me at the hospital cafeteria and I make friends! Good deed don’t go unnoticed because when you make someone's day special, you make yours special as well!

At Sodexo, we believe in making everyday a better day. The Sodexo Food and Nutrition team at  Lahey Hospital and Medical center always makes an effort to engage with our colleagues and visitors. We believes open communication plays a significant role in colleagues's and customer's satisfaction. The team also believes in engaging all colleagues so there is a sense of teamwork, respect and care when you experience any of the Food and Nutrition service at Lahey.

Today, I would like to tell the story of George Reels. He works as a cashier at the Lahey Cafeteria for over 10 years. He always comes to work with a positive attitude and you will find him assisting patients with their trays, escorting them to the cafeteria and seeking management assistance if he is not able to do so. Perhaps George is not on the news and according to George “he did it because he thinks it is the right thing to do. He hopes someone will assist him, too, when he gets older and needs help”. A week after the video was posted; George received a text message from his brother saying he is very proud of George. 

Let’s hear from George and his colleagues on the video below

What I learned from George

Assisting others should come from the heart and it feels good to be able to help others. Good deeds do not go unnoticed as nothing is more rewarding than feeling good about yourself and that is priceless.

Why would someone travel 4 hours a day for a job and still love it?

With the rising price in gas and an inflation rate at 1.5 percent in the US as of August 2013 according to the Bureau of Labor statistic http://www.bls.gov/cpi/cpidfv13.pdf, a lot of people are looking for ways to cut transportation cost and look for a job near home. 

Maria Petkiewich, a food service worker at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, however, is not one of them. According to Maria, job satisfaction and a work culture that promotes caring and teamwork are more important to her. “I used to work in Boston where I get paid more and it is only 20 minutes away from my home but everyday I am unhappy. To me, finding a workplace where I look forward to coming to work everyday is more important to me".

Let’s hear from Maria on the below video on why she love her job and why she is willing to make the 4 hours commute.

What I learned from Maria

Creating a job culture that promotes caring and teamwork should be a priority at all organizations. To be realistic, people need money to pay their bills, however, once the minimum is met, it's job satisfaction that matters. 

Always treat your employees the way they want to be treated. Take a minute or two each day, greet your employees, get to know your employees and more importantly, learn their names. It will just take a minute of your time but you are making someone's day special. The productivity of your organization will also improve. 

Have a great day and don't forget to bring your smile to work every day!