The key to a successful dental practice is to focus on both the patients’ needs and ensuring that their employees are happy and perform well. A happy employee will work with a full-heart and dedication and bring better results for your practice. During this pandemic period, your employees’ health should be your top priority. Keep them healthy, happy, and motivated. This will reflect the way they treat patients and guarantee increased patient satisfaction.
Here are some tips to keep your dental office staff happy:
- Appreciate
Recognize and appreciate their talent, efforts, and excellence at work. It ensures high morale amongst all your staff and also increases employee engagement and retention. - Give Them a Break
Reward your employees for their better performance with a day off, comp day, or an afternoon off on a day they choose. Close the office on time or an hour early and adjust their schedule as necessary. - Employee Recognition
Conduct employee recognition programs to appreciate and honor your employees for doing their jobs well. You can choose an employee of the month and present them with an award or gift cards to motivate them to continue performing better. - Food Treats
Reward your staff with delicious treats. You can bring in bagels on Monday mornings, pizza lunch on Friday, and cake for birthdays. You can host bake-off competitions between employees for baking sweet treats or organize potluck luncheons. - Offer Them Massages
Your front desk staff may be tired and stressed due to sitting at a computer all day. You could offer them 15-minute massage therapy sessions to relax and refresh them. - Provide Training
Train your staff on new skills and trends in dental practice management. Have them attend trade shows or conferences to enhance their skills. - Provide the Right Tools
Provide digital and automated tools for patient scheduling, communication, confirmation, and reminder. This will make their job easier and minimize interruptions and time-consuming paperwork. - Keep Them Comfortable
Provide headsets for phone work, adjustable ergonomic chairs, and other accessories that your front desk staff needs to work for extended hours comfortably - Encourage Companionship
Take your team out to lunch, plan a picnic, and gather for after-work happy hours. This will bring your front desk staff, hygienists, and dentists together and build a strong team. - Be Flexible
Your office staff cannot work remotely, but you can be flexible with their work schedules. Consider staggering their work schedules and give them time off when they need it for their children’s school events or doctor appointments. - Write a Note
Surprise your employees by leaving a “Thank-You” note for their hard work. - Spotlight Them
Feature a different front desk employee on your website and email newsletter every month. Include their photo and fun facts about them, such as their hobbies, interests, and background.
Keeping your staff happy doubles your dental office productivity and ensures long-term success for your practice.
