NOV NIBJ: Building a culture of gratitude and giving

As organizations look for ways to strengthen employee engagement and create meaningful workplace cultures, gratitude and giving remain two of the most powerful tools available. More than occasional acts of generosity, they reflect a shared commitment to supporting one another and investing in the communities where we live and work.

At Kootenai Health, gratitude and philanthropy are woven into our culture. As a nonprofit organization, 100% of our proceeds are reinvested into our caregivers, programs, technology, facilities, and services that benefit our community. In addition, the Kootenai Health Foundation helps advance this work by supporting patient assistance programs, scholarships, major initiatives, innovative equipment, and other needs that help improve health outcomes across our region.

Each year, caregivers have the opportunity to participate in our employee giving campaign, supporting Foundation funds and programs that align with causes they care about most.

"One of the most inspiring things about philanthropy is seeing people come together around a shared purpose," says Cara Nielsen, president of Kootenai Health Foundation. "When caregivers choose to give, they're investing in their colleagues, their patients, and the future of healthcare in our community."

According to Nielsen, this year's campaign helped us reach 13% caregiver participation and maintain 100% participation among our executive leadership team.

While charitable giving often includes financial contributions, every organization can build a culture of gratitude and service in ways that reflect its values. That might mean organizing a volunteer project, hosting a food drive, mentoring local students, supporting a community nonprofit, or simply creating opportunities to recognize and appreciate employees. The most successful efforts are often those that authentically connect to an organization's mission and culture.

"Gratitude and giving have a ripple effect," Nielsen says. "When people feel supported and valued, they're more likely to support others. That creates stronger teams, stronger organizations, and ultimately stronger communities."

As we enter the season of gratitude and giving, organizations across North Idaho have an opportunity to reflect on how gratitude is expressed within their workplaces. By fostering a culture of appreciation, service, and community investment, businesses can create a lasting impact that extends far beyond their walls.

    Cara Nielsen