16 Ways to Retain Dental Team Members
The time is now to pivot to what employees genuinely want in this employee-driven workforce.
This chart summarizes ideas to consider that will influence your hiring and staying power.
The ultimate goal/outcome is to hire and continually engage a happy, healthy, and permanent team.
Benefits and Perks
Are only part of the equation to attract and retain team members. Retention requires having people-centric leaders. Influential leaders are experts in serving others and building a successful culture.
Most employees are looking for fair pay. You may think you fall into that category, but the best way to know is to look at the data. DentalPost released the 2022 Salary Survey. A deep dive into all team positions and salaries nationwide. If you want to know where your practice falls as far as wages, download the publication.
Diversifying benefits and customizing packages to meet the generations where they are at is particularly important, especially with the Gen Y and Z, the younger generations. They may want assistance with day/doggy care, flexible hours/days, and morning or evening revolving shifts. Administrative positions may request to work from home a day or two a week. Dentistry can and should adopt flexibility, but you need to know what potential and existing team members are looking for before you make a plan.
Educational growth is equally important. Whether it is CEU or institutional learning, give your team an opportunity to gain experience and apply new knowledge and skill within your practice.
Provide Career Opportunities and Growth
Empowering growth that aligns with their skills, interests, and goals will create more engagement and loyalty. Rethink the traditional career training and team progression. Create a mentorship program and cross-training department/function opportunities.
As employees continue to build their education be sure to award them with progressive titles, seniority recognition, and pay.
Provide More Face Time with Employees
One-on-one time with leaders is increasing in importance. Leaders should prioritize meeting with their team to discuss career path goals and growth opportunities. If you are only providing annual (or less) reviews, your employee pool will shrink quickly. Ongoing coaching and communication are critical.
Developing a visual progression plan paints a clear picture of each team members career evolution and development so they have an accurate understanding of their professional path.
Embracing and participating in team-building strategies quarterly will enhance professional and personal relationships. When team relationships thrive, the patients become loyal, and the practice grows without effort.
Communication Coaching
Every conversation has a consequence. Lack of communication is a primary cause of team disengagement and turnover.
Frequent, real-time coaching, not feedback, is necessary to keep our teams engaged. Feedback has a negative interpretation. The situation has already occurred and cannot be corrected. Coaching is ongoing with positive affirmations and collaborative solutions. Continual mentorship and coaching, by all team members, should be encouraged. It sets the office tone and creates a safe environment for all.
Want a quick recap?
Watch the video below 16 Tips to Attract and Retain Dental Team Members.
