How Cumbernauld is redefining what a great team looks like

Sometimes it's subtle changes in working practices that unlock the power of a united community. Here at Each Other Care, we use research-backed approaches and team feedback to share continuous development. By prioritising emotional support, we can strengthen the foundation of the whole team’s performance in our shared home communities.

Guided by this insight, Nicola and her team at Cumbernauld introduced a team reflection session where colleagues shared a few words about what they appreciate in one another. One message captured the spirit perfectly:

"You inspire me by the way you do your domestic role with such enthusiasm and attention to detail."

It was a moment that stayed with the group and created a permission field for others to be curious and lean in. As one team member said afterwards, everyone went away with a wee smile on their face.

Some of the Cumbernauld team

To keep this positivity going, the team installed a coffee machine as an ongoing invitation to pause and check in with each other, something that is proven in workplace studies to strengthen psychological safety. 

Alongside this, they’re also creating a dedicated post it wall in the team room, showcasing moments of recognition and thanks to each other. Home Manager Nicola reflects on how the initiative is going so far: 

“You can feel the difference already. People are stopping, noticing each other and reconnecting.”

This evolving culture has also inspired the arrival of the Cumbernauld Care Bear, a symbol designed to strengthen appreciation in the team and shift daily conversations from what could be wrong to what is working well. During team meetings, the team are now sharing ‘bear moments’, which are positive observations about best practice, colleagues or residents. There’s clear evidence that teams who regularly talk about successes show higher resilience rates and a more connected team, which is why Nicola and the team are working together to raise the bar.

Moving forward, each month one person is responsible for the bear and writes a short reflection in a journal, creating an evolving record of development, insight and plenty of Scottish humour for good measure!

What’s emerging at Cumbernauld is a culture built on the understanding of how meaningful care is captured by teams that look out for each other. By encouraging recognition, slowing the pace for conversation where people are present, and celebrating best intent, the team are demonstrating how innovation in care often begins with the simplest ideas.

You can find out more about Cumbernauld Care Home here.