Culture plays a crucial role in the workplace and is vital to any practice’s success.   In today’s landscape, old management styles with top-down hierarchical approaches are not sustainable.  The modern workforce craves meaning, growth, and engagement.  Today we are going to discuss how changes to your office culture can increase employee retention,  and why this is of the utmost importance in your practice.  

There is a laundry list of reasons why staff retention is important. Cost, productivity, and client/patient relationships are a few of the top reasons.  The most basic reason to prioritize staff retention is cost.  It is expensive and time-consuming to recruit, hire, and train staff only to have them leave shortly thereafter.  On average, it can cost twice an employee’s salary to replace them. 

Next, high staff turnover can create a domino effect of negativity that kills productivity.  Increased training demands and work disturbances put a strain on existing staff and decreases productivity.  Lastly, When staff sticks around, your patients are happier!

Client relationships are of course directly affected by staff.  Long-term, satisfied staff contribute to maintaining positive, long-term patient relationships as well as patient referrals.

How do you create a positive work culture that fosters employee retention?

Clear Expectations

Clearly define each role, job duty, and performance expectation  Not only does this help minimize confusion and assist with accountability, but it also helps your team understand exactly how their role contributes to the practice’s success.  

Recognition

Create a system for recognizing and rewarding staff members who demonstrate behavior that aligns with your values.  This could consist of verbal recognition like “Shout Outs”, gift card incentives, or even healthy workplace competitions.  

Embrace Feedback

Establish an organized way for staff members to voice their concerns and provide suggestions.  Demonstrate that this feedback is valued by either taking action or discussing why you believe no action is necessary.  Take time to understand the feedback and how it affects your staff daily.  

Continuous Growth and Development

Provide training, workshops, and any other resources that will enhance your staff’s skills.  Also, prioritize regular staff assessments.  No surprises! Your team will always know if their performance is meeting requirements and will be aware of any areas that need improvement.  Be sure to set a clear path of advancement for any staff members looking to take on more responsibility.  

Collaborate

Any chance you have to allow your team to collaborate, take advantage of it!  Building strong staff connections can be challenging.  Team-building exercises where staff members can get to know each other without the stressors of work duties can expedite staff connections.  This is also a great opportunity to take feedback into account and see what your team would like to participate in together.  

Changing office culture takes time, consistency, and dedication on everyone’s behalf.  It will be worth it for improved cost, productivity, and happier patients.  Be sure to involve your staff in this process.  This will allow them to be participants in shaping their new environment and they’ll be more likely to get on board.  Implementing these changes will create an environment that benefits everyone, including owners!  A positive work environment that fosters employee retention will contribute to employee satisfaction, improved cost, and sustainable growth.