Happy workers are also known as “engaged” workers. Engagement in the workforce has a direct correlation to productivity. Engaged employees are less likely to leave your facility in search of a new position. For the sake of your patients and your facility’s reputation, it’s always a good idea to take steps to keep your employees happy on the job. Healthcare can be a very demanding career, with large caseloads, long shifts and – on occasion – difficult patients. Many healthcare professionals can suffer job strain that drags them down throughout the workweek; it’s your job as an employer to help your healthcare workers stay on task and in high spirits. Here are five things that build a great company culture.
The Top Five Ways to Maintain a Positive Work Environment
- Listen and offer support. In the often high-stress world that is healthcare, lending an ear can go a long way. What do your employees need? Whether it’s advice on a tough case, flexible scheduling, additional staff coverage, or lighter caseloads, your staff will tell you what you can do to create an ideal work environment. Though you can’t please everyone all the time, you can address issues that are common among your workers.
- Pay your employees what they’re worth. Cash is a huge motivator, and can be the light at the end of a long day. Compensate your healthcare workers based on their education and experience. Research the average salary in your geographic location (The Bureau of Labor Statistics or US News & World Report are just two sources of this information) and pay your staff accordingly. Well-paid employees feel valued, work harder and are more productive than those who are underpaid.
- Provide rich benefits. Help your employees stay well on the inside and it will show through on the outside, and in their work. Medical, dental and vision coverage is important, but what about a wellness program or employee assistance program? Give your staff the tools they need for good health – at a price they can afford – and you’ll be surprised how far it can go towards improving their productivity.
- Ensure adequate staffing. A skeleton crew is the number one drain on the healthcare staff who pick up the slack through increased case loads and longer shifts. In addition, holes in your workforce can lead to overworked employees, mistakes and decreased patient care. If you need assistance assessing your staffing needs, reach out to an expert, such as a staffing firm.
- Don’t forget to have fun. Encourage team building and camaraderie by creating a company sports league, or by having holiday celebrations or outings. Motivating your staff to enjoy each other’s company can work wonders in building positive energy and company loyalty.
It’s Worth the Effort.
The quality of patient care that your facility provides is extremely important, and is directly impacted by the strength of your company culture. By showing your employees that they are valued, your patients will benefit from their positive energy, confidence and productivity.
Are You Looking to Supplement Your Healthcare Team?
myPTsolutions offers placement of travel healthcare professionals in therapy and allied health. Contact us today to learn how myPTsolutions can help you make your workforce stronger.
