
Keeping your staff engaged is critical to the success of your practice, whether you have just a handful of employees or dozens. You want your employees to be happy at work, productive, and provide nothing but the best experience for your patients.
Between heightened patient expectations, a competitive job market, and the rise of the millennial workforce, creating a culture that fosters employee satisfaction and engagement is important. Doing so will require a continuous effort and strategic direction on your part.
Keep reading to learn more about the importance of employee engagement and how to do it effectively.
Why is employee engagement so relevant today? With patients advocating for their own healthcare more than ever and expectations at an all-time high, it’s critical to consider what contributes to those expectations, starting with the interactions patients have with your staff – whether they are in your office for an appointment or talking with a staff member via phone call or email. One negative experience can be enough to cause that patient to abandon your practice and seek help elsewhere.
Engaged employees are proven to be more satisfied with their jobs, more productive, and ultimately better serve your patients. They are also more likely to be loyal to your practice and stay in the long term, saving you money in the hiring process. The cost of employee turnover is estimated to be 1.5-2 times an employee’s salary.
The current workplace looks much different than in decades previous, with baby boomers, millennials, and Generations X and Z all working together. Each generation comes with different desires and goals for their work. While older generations are more accustomed to traditional work environments, younger, more entry-level employees are driven by having a strong sense of purpose.
The rise of the millennial workforce is compelling businesses to make cultural changes. This group, like no other before them, want to enjoy their job and be passionate about what they do. Generally speaking, they’re motivated by idealism and seek meaning in their work – and will choose a job that proves them this over one with a higher salary.
Don’t view the shift in personnel as an obstacle; instead, use it as an opportunity for everyone to collaborate and learn from one another. Every person on your team has a unique background and a unique point of view to bring to the table. Millennials and Generation Z are digitally engaged and follow current trends, which you can leverage to your benefit for promoting your practice.
A more engaged workforce is happier, more productive, and therefore better suited to serve your patients’ needs any time they call or visit your office.
There are endless ways – both big and small – to engage your employees beyond the demands of their job and help them be their best every day. Put a realistic plan together, stay committed to that plan, and get to work. Include members of your staff if you need help getting started!
Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need to host an unforgettable patient event.