A Swirling Wind of Teamwork Sweeps Through SCK Health
The Kansas Hospital Association appreciates the opportunity to highlight workforce strategies that honor employees, providers or volunteers who make significant contributions to the well-being, retention or recruitment of health care workers at their facility. Thank you to SCK Health for sharing their strategies.
In February 2025, SCK Health welcomed new CEO Margaret Grismer, whose leadership sparked a cultural and operational transformation grounded in shared responsibility and pride. Recognizing the challenge of maintaining a large rural facility with only two maintenance staff, Grismer launched “Cleaning Fridays”—a hands-on, facility-wide beautification effort that quickly became both a necessity and a point of pride. The initiative brought together employees across all departments and shifts to support one unified goal: restore, refresh and re-energize the hospital environment for staff, patients and the community.
A core volunteer group, soon nicknamed the “SCK Health Whirlwinds,” led the effort. Staff cleaned, organized, painted, landscaped and tackled neglected areas across the hospital and clinic spaces. “It started with administration,” said Director of Nursing Dixie Simpson. “Our CEO is out there. She’s not asking any of us to do anything that she’s not willing to do.” That visible commitment from leadership set the tone. “Everybody that could, did,” Simpson explained. “Patient care always came first, but when people had even an hour to give, they showed up.”
The results were dramatic. Over just three and a half months, staff removed 97 percent of stored corrugated cardboard, conducted deep-cleaning campus-wide, reorganized the emergency preparedness trailer and prepared equipment for sale or donation—ensuring unused supplies found new purpose rather than being discarded. Staff also supported a major clinic relocation, moving providers and services to the main campus to improve patient convenience and operational efficiency. Even night-shift employees participated, strengthening cohesion across schedules.
Creativity and camaraderie helped sustain momentum. Teams participated in a “Pull It Together” outdoor landscaping challenge and created painted rock displays for the waiting room rock garden. Two garage sales raised nearly $4,000, reinvested directly into employee appreciation activities, further reinforcing a cycle of goodwill and recognition.
These collective accomplishments went beyond surface-level improvements. The initiative strengthened morale, increased cooperation across departments, and deepened staff ownership of their workplace. “You start looking at things differently,” Simpson said. “If you see trash, you pick it up. You take pride in your facility.” Employees now routinely check outdoor spaces, tend planted areas assigned to their departments and step in when help is needed—not because they are asked, but because the culture supports it.
The welcoming, well-maintained environment has already made a noticeable impact. Patients and community members see visible improvements, and prospective employees notice the teamwork and pride that define the organization. The hospital’s more unified campus layout has boosted efficiency and convenience, while the collaborative spirit has enhanced retention and recruitment by creating a workplace where staff feel valued, connected and empowered.
SCK Health’s Whirlwind team and “Cleaning Fridays” illustrates how leadership, shared effort, and creativity can spark lasting change. What began as a cleaning project has become a movement—one rooted in pride, accountability and the belief that every team member contributes to a thriving, patient-centered environment.