Most dental practice owners want the same things—better results, more efficiency, and higher profitability. There’s no secret to how to achieve these goals. Creating a fantastic employee experience makes for a better workplace that functions better and does more business. Crafting this experience proved more difficult in the wake of COVID-19. The pandemic forced all of us to adapt and adjust. Not sure how to pivot? That’s why the dental industry experts at Bryant Consultants composed this list of five ways to improve your team members’ experience.
Get ready for the new normal
You’ve read, heard, and seen people talking about the world getting back to normal in the wake of the pandemic, but the “normal” that existed before COVID-19 is not coming back. In 2021, all industries were wracked by the Great Resignation—people voluntarily leaving their jobs in unprecedented numbers. Your practice might have experienced some resignations. These departures have a cascading effect, placing additional stress on the other members of your team, increasing the chance of burnout and, with it, additional resignations.
Five ways to improve the employee experience as we reach the new normal
- Make sure your employees feel heard
Part of creating a great employee experience is making sure your employees have the proper space to be heard. This means they should have an open platform to provide feedback at all times. Just receiving that feedback is not enough; you need to be an active listener. When receiving this feedback, it is important to realize that your company—and the world—are going through massive changes. Before changing company policies, obtaining employee feedback can help you make better-informed decisions.
- Commit to equity
A recent study found that companies in the top quarter in ethnic and cultural diversity were 36% more profitable than those in the bottom quartile. The same trend holds for other factors, such as gender diversity. Social injustice issues have risen to the forefront in the past couple of years, and having a workplace with an equitable culture is key to growth and success in 2022. Make sure you learn about the representation or makeup of your workforce, then adjust your practice culture as needed looking to emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Lead with empathy
You’ve heard about IQ, but what about EQ? Short for emotional intelligence, your EQ plays a huge role in establishing an empathetic culture. Leading your practice with empathy goes a long way to fostering an environment of loyalty. Research has found that 93% of employees are more likely to remain in their jobs if the employer exhibits empathy.
- Share your “why”
You know you need to communicate what your team members need to do and when, but how often do you explain the reasons why? Being more transparent about the reason behind certain procedures helps build more trust with your team and improve the employee experience. Clear rules of engagement help employees understand working hours, when there can be flexibility, what communication channels to use on a regular basis and how to reach out in matters of urgency.
- Trust your leaders
As a practice owner, you’re wearing several hats, but you won’t be able to do it all yourself if you want your practice to reach new heights. At some point, in the name of growth, you have to be able to delegate to leaders on your team to help set the tone. Not sure you have anyone like this in your practice? Leaders can be built and grown. Leadership training can be a great tool in developing these members of the team.
Improving your employees’ experience
Just because you’re a highly-skilled dentist, that doesn’t mean you have the managerial expertise to create the ideal employee experience. The good news is, you’re not alone. The team at Bryant Consultants is here to help. Our team has decades of experience in the dental industry, and we use our knowledge to help practice owners just like you. We currently offer a free one-hour consultation to practice owners just like you. Schedule yours today by calling (877) 768-4799. And to keep up with the latest news and updates, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
