This summer, if your office culture is non-existent and your therapists are unmotivated, it will affect the care they provide your patients. Office culture plays a substantial part in the success of your clinic or office. A great PT office culture is the difference between staff members who come to work for a paycheck and those who come to work because they love it. Your patients can undoubtedly see the difference. This summer, try these suggestions for improving the culture in your PT office.
Increase Transparency
As a clinic manager, it is natural to want to keep some business details to yourself. Indeed, sharing proprietary information might go too far, but operating in secrecy only breeds gossip and resentment. Be straightforward with your staff about your plans for the clinic’s future. Your team deserves to understand the rationale behind major decisions. This summer, strive for an environment that fosters a collaborative problem-solving approach. Hearing more than one viewpoint can improve team dynamics.
Chances for Personal and Professional Growth
If a therapist does not have opportunities for creativity and growth, they will eventually stagnate. As a lead, it is your responsibility to know the strengths and goals of each team member. Your front office staff might appreciate more managerial duties, and clinicians might want to offer a new service to a different patient population.
A Gratitude Fund
Everyone likes a hard token of appreciation. Your team of therapists is good-hearted people. They work off the clock, answer emails and phone calls, and take double and triple bookings. The front office staff soothes frustrated patients and ensures good customer service. A “thank you” is good, but sometimes a gift is better. Please keep track of employees providing exceptional customer service and reward them occasionally.
Celebrate Wins
When you have a therapist who invests the time, money and energy to attend in-person courses, acknowledge and celebrate it. It costs nothing, and you can announce recent course completions, certifications or specializations via company email.
You might want to create a wall of fame featuring clinician and office staff names and accolades. You list photos along with professional accomplishments, certifications and specializations.
An Open Door Policy
As the leader, it is your goal to remove as many roadblocks to success as possible. Unfortunately, being present is not always easy, primarily if you supervise a large team of therapists. But you can keep your door open. Staff wellness begins with an open-door policy. You want the team to know they can come to you anytime. You must be accessible to those who need you. Go a step beyond by being proactive and scheduling one-on-one meetings with your staff members where they can open up and discuss anything.
Let the physical therapy staffing professionals at myPTsolutions assist you with placement solutions for your unique staffing needs. Partner with myPTsolutions to find your next therapist.
