Why and How to Show Your Dental Team You Appreciate Them

With 2020 finally in the rearview mirror, now is as good a time as any to show your dental team why and how much you appreciate them. To say this past year has been trying on the dental practice would be an understatement, and it’s never too late to express your gratitude to those who stuck it out and even helped to make things better. With so much of the time spent on patient care, here’s why it’s also important to let your dental team know what they do matters.

Why

A survey conducted online by Harris Interactive for Glassdoor showed employers can retain 53% of their employees longer if their bosses showed more appreciation. A big budget or fancy perks will only keep talented employees on board for so long, but 81% of the more than 2,000 employees surveyed said they’re motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation for their work rather than responding to a demanding boss out of fear of losing their job.

How

Even a small gesture like a personalized email genuinely thanking a specific employee can go a long way. Undoubtedly, a lot of new protocols had to be put into place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and recognizing those individuals who helped to get the team up to speed can feel especially meaningful. Pointing out specific actions taken around the office can make an employee feel valued and empowered heading into the new year beyond a general thank you to the whole office at the end of the day.

From whom

A genuine thank you doesn’t always have to come from the owner of the dental practice. In fact, it can feel just as good to hear from a colleague that the work you’re doing around the office matters to the rest of the team. Praise can even be directed at the dentist of the practice to let them know you feel appreciated and taken care of. Whether it’s a written note or verbal compliment, a few words can go a long way in terms of the long-term investment in your whole team, especially in a clinical setting the focus is typically on patient care.

What’s next?

Contact the experts at Professional Transition Strategies to learn more about how to keep your dental practice thriving in the new year.