Companies are saying ‘thank you’ to nurses and healthcare workers in their own ways

By Rich Smith, 03-25-2020

Damn.

Things are just … shitty.

Can I say that? I think we all would agree, even if you don’t curse that much. Then again, I’ve met some of you, and you curse a lot. Either way, I think we agree with the general sentiment.

So how do you make it better? Did we all realize that we’d miss the typical or mundane as much as we do? Remember eating out a restaurant? That was cool, huh? Or sports! Who remembers sports? Last week I watched marble racing on YouTube, and cheered when the blue marble regained the lead over the brown-swirled marble. I felt silly for a second, then I heard others cheering too, only to find they were watching the same marble race!

How companies are working to thank nurses

Every company in the U.S. is trying to do their part. Some have more than others, but in the end they are trying to do the best they can with the situation. I recently found two that are specifically trying to help healthcare workers. Starbucks and Crocs.

I’m not here to argue the politics of Starbucks, or whether Crocs are a hideous abomination or cool footwear. My opinion is irrelevant. What is relevant is what they are doing. Crocs is offering free pairs of shoes to healthcare workers starting at noon eastern time each day. They have a set amount they are giving away, so it’s first come first serve.

You can check out the queue here to try your luck at a free pair.

Starbucks is doing something similar, but without restrictions per day. If you identify yourself as a frontline responder (nurse, doctor, EMT, etc.), Starbucks will give you a tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) for free. It’s not their fancy coffee, it’s just a good old reliable cup of coffee.

I’m sure they’ll put sugar or creamer in there if you want it. For the record, I like my coffee black, one sugar. But I don’t get it for free, and that is 100% ok in my book. You, however, deserve a free cup of coffee. Probably more, but this is a good start.

Here's where you can get info on your free coffee from Starbucks. You could definitely use the caffeine.

Who will step up to show their thanks next?

Both of these companies understand the value that you bring to the healthcare industry. This is how they say “Thank you.”

Who else will step up? What other companies will recognize the vital role you all are playing and show their appreciation? My guess is a lot of them, these are just the first two.

Are there others out there we’ve missed or haven’t seen yet? Let us know on social media. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and all the other places. Stay safe out there.