A world-class workforce

What keeps employees happy? Is it money, work-life balance or advancement opportunities? Perhaps some mix of all three? It is important to understand what interests your employees and that it is not a one-size-fits-all scenario.

For some employees, there is a clear number one reason that they stay: money. However, for others, they may be comfortable with their pay and even willing to sacrifice some pay if it means more time off to spend with family and friends. Other employees may not be concentrated on today’s pay or hours, but are focused on what opportunities they will have in the future. It is important to keep in mind opportunities that employees can take on to advance their career, as well as cross-training, to allow employees the ability to take on new responsibilities.

Your employees work hard for you and should feel appreciated for their efforts.  Employees should leave at the end of the day feeling and knowing that you appreciate their work. Furthermore, it is important that staff understands the mission and vision of the practice. At the end of the day, it is your practice, but keeping employees engaged in the direction of the practice helps build trust, improves communication and ultimately can lead to better staff retention.

There are various ways to show appreciation to staff. Creating an incentive program to help motivate employees is a common practice used. Additionally, sending gift cards or taking employees to lunch are other ways employers can show staff their appreciation. Continue to consider different ways to show appreciation to your employees.

Lead from the top

Staff retention is not possible without great leadership. The tone of the practice should be set at the top. A leader does not make demands of its employees, but rather facilitates their growth through learning and communication.

It is important to keep lines of communication open, and one way to do so is weekly staff meetings. Recognize employee contributions, discuss what challenges employees may be facing and plan how best to move forward. Also, consider having annual or semi-annual meetings with employees to discuss strengths and weaknesses, identify areas of growth and recognize appreciation for efforts made.

Additionally, it is important to offer support and training. When you hire, ensure there is a proper orientation and training period — even if the new hire is experienced. Create and maintain an employee handbook and other procedural instructions so that everyone is on the same page. Finally, if you expect staff to take on new roles, ensure there is appropriate training and support.

Go the extra mile

Finding out what motivates and retains employees is one of the, if not the most important task a practice owner faces. Continue to understand your employees, what they are looking for and what keeps them from leaving. Retaining highly performing employees continues to be more and more difficult to find. Taking this task seriously is the difference between a world-class workplace and just any other practice.

If  you would like more information, contact Kevin Omahen at [email protected] or 312.670.7444. Visit ORBA.com to learn more about our Health Care Group.