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To improve staff retention in dental practices, it is crucial to focus on creating a supportive work environment and fostering growth opportunities for employees. This can be achieved through the following strategies:
Aim for careful recruitment:
In the current market, we often feel a knee jerk reaction of joy if we even receive one resume that shows promise. Avoid the emotion of recruitment and use other strategies (even though they may be more expensive in the short term) such as temp agencies and Facebook groups to find temporary staff. Recruit without bias using behavioural questioning and find the best fit for the role because chances are you will find someone long term.
Create a Culture of Learning:
Prioritise ongoing training and development to keep staff updated with the latest techniques and equipment in the dental sector.
Encourage a growth mindset among employees by providing opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Prioritise Employee Wellness:
As an employer, your responsibility to staff in Psychosocial Health is now a legal requirement.
Implement wellness programs and initiatives to promote physical and mental well-being among staff.
Offer a supportive work environment that takes into consideration the overall health and happiness of employees.
Align Brand Values with employee expectations:
Ensure that the values and goals of the dental practice align with the expectations and values of the employees. It’s not their “project” but you can get them on board with a desire to be a part of it.
Communicate the vision and mission of the clinic to create a sense of purpose and belonging among staff.
Foster Paths for Employees to Grow Internally:
Establish clear career paths and growth opportunities within the clinic to motivate employees to stay and progress in their careers.
Provide mentorship programs and opportunities for employees to enhance their skills and move up the professional ladder within the organization.
Implement Employee Retention Strategies for Job Satisfaction:
Focus on effective onboarding and induction processes to integrate new employees smoothly into the clinic’s culture and operations. Doing it right from the beginning is crucial. An employee who feels overwhelmed by what they have not been shown, will leave quickly.
Offer competitive employee compensation packages, perks, and benefits to ensure job satisfaction and motivate staff to stay.
Enhance Communication and Feedback:
Encourage open, safe and transparent communication channels to address concerns, provide feedback, and create a sense of involvement among employees.
Offer continuous feedback on performance to help employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Promote Ownership and Loyalty:
Provide incentives like bonuses, raises, and equity in the business to make employees feel valued and encourage a sense of ownership within the clinic.
Aim to cultivate a united and loyal team that treats the clinic as their own, contributing to a positive and dedicated work environment.
Joanna Robertson
Accredident 2023