Low Morale?

Low morale? How does it happen...and more importantly, how can it be prevented? Realize that while money is certainly a motivator (for everyone...doctors and staff alike) it is not the end-all, be-all to job satisfaction. Read on for 8 ways to create things that doctors/managers/employers can do to create a motivating work environment.

1. There are many preventative measures you can take to remedy this and the simplest one is to smile. Creating a positive environment starts at the top, with the doctor so don't walk into the office with a frown and expect everyone around you to smile. It doesn't work that way. On the other hand, it is very difficult to look at someone that is smiling and NOT smile back. It really is catchy. Try it!;
   
2. Hire the right people.  Where Debbie Downer goes...doom and gloom are sure to follow. He/she experiences the world as a very unbearable place. Take enough time during the interview to weed out questionable personalities ;
   
3. Do things that make staff feel like part of the team – include their names on letters to patients, get personalized business cards for them, wear specialized t-shirts one day or scrubs that look alike, award  them with achievement pins for special accomplishments, have “local sport team day” (where everyone dresses in team clothing);
   
4. Celebrate their birthdays, their work anniversaries, special achievements in their lives with thoughtful (not necessarily expensive) gifts that tell them you took the time to get to know something about them (such as their interests, hobbies*, etc.);
   
5. Ask their opinions and LISTEN to their ideas. Don’t under any circumstance let the words “ that won’t work here ” slip passed your lips. If the idea is not initially appealing, suggest to your employee that you will take some time to think it over as opposed to just tossing the idea out. Give it a chance, it may prove to be very worthwhile after all;
   
6. Help them grow and cultivate their careers. Recognize their talents; help them develop their skills. Make an effort to teach them and train them; show them an x-ray and share your findings with them; encourage them to attend meetings to learn and network with other assistants;
   
7. Treat them with respect, fairness, courtesy and kindness.  (ps- avoid nit-picking for added likeability);
   
8. Take notice of any gradual patterns (such as absenteeism, tardiness, increased errors and apathy) that might be subtle signs of low morale. Keep in mind that sudden visible manifestation of such changes is almost always the result of an underlying problem. Instead of backing off…make an effort to communicate with them and get to the root cause. Help them solve the problem while it is still manageable;
   
9. Finally, evaluate their work and recognize their efforts. Staff wants to know that they are doing a good job – or not. At every possible opportunity, catch them doing something right and praise their efforts loudly. Criticize them softly. A sincere but simple “THANK YOU!” (attached to something specific) goes a long way in motivating a positive attitude. As a bonus, your employee will make an effort to repeat their good behavior.

Think of the many factors of job satisfaction: productivity, quality of work, learning, expressing creativity, pride, recognition, teamwork, social satisfaction, personal growth and work environment benefits and realize that everyone is motivated by something different.  Then do some investigation of your own….find out by asking your staff what triggers them to heightened levels of productivity and then support and foster those prospects!

*QUICK TIP: Start today to build your culture of unity!
Take a moment and encourage everyone to learn more about each other!
Request our complimentary "When you Learn...you Grow" form on our contact page.

After the doctor(s) and staff members each complete one, exchange them during one of your staff meetings and let the learning begin.