One fundamental truth often gets overlooked in the rush to improve patient care and efficiency: when employees thrive, organizations succeed. A hospital can have cutting-edge technology and a world-class facility. Still, the system falters without the people who clean the rooms, interact with patients, and maintain a safe environment for everyone on staff. The entire facility flourishes when these essential workers are supported, empowered, and valued.
Environmental services (EVS) technicians do more than clean—they create a safe, welcoming space during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. Empowering the mindfulness of EVS technicians through programs and benefits like guided meditation and mental-health support improves patient safety, boosts staff morale, and strengthens healthcare outcomes.
This blog explores how prioritizing employee mindfulness, particularly in EVS, leads to stronger client outcomes and a more compassionate, effective healthcare environment.
Employee Wellness: A Winning Formula for Stronger Client Outcomes
Mental health is a crucial part of overall well-being for all patients, hospital staff, and EVS technicians. Yet, healthcare facilities face increasing challenges in meeting patient needs due to rising cases of depression and anxiety and a shortage of mental health professionals. What often goes unnoticed is environmental services (EVS) technicians’ vital role in creating a sense of safety and comfort. A warm greeting, a moment of conversation, or simply being a familiar face in a stressful environment can make a world of difference for patients facing long hospital stays or difficult diagnoses. It’s imperative that we recognize and support the mental health of these unsung heroes in our healthcare system.
Beyond emotional support, EVS teams are the first line of defense against hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), a major patient concern. A visibly clean, well-maintained space reassures them that their safety is a priority, easing fears and supporting recovery. When EVS professionals are given the training, resources, and recognition they deserve, they excel, helping create a healthier, more supportive environment for all.
Prioritizing the Mental Health of Those Who Care for Others
If EVS workers are essential to patient well-being, supporting their mental health should be just as much of a priority. Working in rehab facilities means facing highly emotional situations daily, from witnessing emergency treatments to comforting patients in difficult moments. These unique challenges can take a toll on their mental health. Organizations that invest in employee mindfulness equip their teams to manage these experiences while continuing to excel in their roles.
Servicon leads the way with a dedicated mental health training and support program designed specifically for EVS professionals—the first of its kind in the industry. “Our EVS workers are on the real healthcare frontline,” says Carlos Janer, Servicon’s Director of Safety. “They see things most people never have to, which can take a toll. We want to create awareness and give them the tools to stay mentally fit.” The program includes a Mental Health Safety Toolkit, a mix of online and in-person training. It expands Servicon’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to offer up to eight free counseling sessions. The message is clear: when employees feel strong, supported, and valued, they do their best work—and everyone wins.
Innovative Benefits That Support Employee Well-Being
Employee wellness isn’t just about mental health; it’s also about reducing workplace stress and providing the right tools to alleviate stress and ensure success. Servicon supports employees in multiple ways, including access to innovative resources that enhance well-being both on and off the job. One such resource is SNOO, a smart bassinet designed to promote safer, better sleep for infants—helping working parents get the rest they need. Developed by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, SNOO is the first medical device of its kind to receive FDA De Novo authorization for its role in keeping babies safely positioned during sleep.
Meanwhile, employee benefits like the Branch App supports financial wellness, offering early wage access to ease financial stress. By addressing both practical and personal aspects of well-being, Servicon helps ensure its employees feel supported in every aspect of their lives. When employees have access to the right resources, they can focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional service and care.
Recognition That Reinforces Excellence
When employees feel valued, they perform at their best—and their impact doesn’t go unnoticed. One positive example of this is at the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. Servicon EVS professionals William Swift and Enedina Chacon were honored with Friends of Nursing awards, a recognition typically reserved for medical staff. Their exceptional service and dedication to patient care made them stand out, proving that EVS workers are truly an integral part of the caregiving team. “It is wonderful to see my efforts appreciated,” said Swift. Chacon echoed the sentiment, expressing her gratitude for being recognized for her contributions.
This kind of recognition isn’t just a one-time event – Servicon employees across facilities consistently receive praise for their commitment to excellence. When organizations invest in their teams, they create a culture where employees feel valued and motivated to go above and beyond. The result? Higher-quality service, improved client satisfaction, and stronger partnerships.
A Culture of Wellness That Elevates Client Success
The impact of Servicon’s approach goes beyond individual recognition—it contributes to institutional excellence. Rancho Los Amigos was ranked among the top 20 rehabilitation hospitals in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report, and their leadership credits part of this success to Servicon’s exceptional EVS team.
When organizations prioritize employee well-being, the results speak for themselves. Hospitals become cleaner, safer, and more efficient. Patients receive better care. And institutions earn national recognition—not just for their medical excellence, but for the culture of care that makes it all possible. Servicon CEO Laurie Sewell says, “We share the same goal as our clients—to help people heal and thrive in a safe, healthy environment.”
The Takeaway: When Employees Win, Clients Win
A culture of employee wellness isn’t just a workplace initiative—it’s a strategic advantage. When EVS professionals are supported, trained, and valued, they bring their best selves to work every day. The result? Cleaner, safer hospitals, better patient experiences, and stronger relationships with healthcare institutions that trust Servicon’s expertise.
The evidence is undeniable: When people thrive, organizations succeed. Investing in employee well-being isn’t just an initiative—it’s the foundation for long-term excellence.
