help with discussion

Read the Case Study - Putting on the Ritz

Discuss the potential benefits of a program like this.

Discuss the potential drawbacks.

Is it a good idea?  Why or Why not.

After submitting your response to this assignment, post the same response to the discussion. And reply to your classmate

Classmate 1: Discuss the potential benefits of a program like this

This program essentially allows 1,000 employees to spend $1,000.00 on patients and satisfy their needs. For example, a nurse or doctor may use these funds to knock off hospital bill costs or buy a family pizza while they're waiting for their loved one to come out of surgery. A potential benefit to this program may include an increase in patient satisfaction. By allowing patients to bring concerns to their primary point of contact, they are relieved from following a series of steps and save time in trying to get into contact with hospital management about particular issues. When patient or family concerns are attended to at a lower level, they may leave more satisfied with the service they received. Another benefit to this program may include an increase in enhanced customer service techniques. Since the hospital employees seem to have full reign over what they would like to spend their allotted money on, they may be able to resolve relatively any issue a patient or their families may have. This can include comping a hotel room for one night or arranging transportation to and from the hospital. One last potential benefit to this program could be increased employee engagement. By allowing employees relatively full freedom and responsibility of spending the money how they please on patients, they may feel a sense of reward for helping others. It has the potential to boost employee and work environment morale by being able to go above and beyond with their job. 

Discuss the potential drawbacks.

However, with any responsibility, consequences may arise. If employees are awarded $1,000.00 to spend how they please, there is always room for the misuse of funds. There is no telling whether employees will abuse the money they are allotted or not. By missing these funds, the hospital is put in a situation where money is not being spent for the benefit of the organization. On the other hand, some employees may lack a proper sense of judgment, leading to an imbalance in patient satisfaction. A final potential drawback that this program may experience could be a financial deficit in the future. If the hospital continues to spend money on miscellaneous expenses, there may be no room to keep up the program in the future. 

Is it a good idea?  Why or Why not.

I believe that the idea is good in theory, but it should be tested for at least a few months. The test should start out with allocating $500.00 per employee over the course of 6 months. The money should be tracked through an app, and each time money is allocated towards a patient or other miscellaneous expense, then a short description needs to be written along with the amount of money that has been spent. In this case, the money can be tracked and allow the hospital to determine whether the program is sustainable or not.