Employee happiness is a vital area of study for employers worldwide. According to the State of the Global Workplace Report, ventures with engaged employees generate 23% higher profits than those with unhappy employees. Content and diligent employees, therefore, are a bottom-line concern and an opportunity to improve employee productivity.
A study from Gartner on the future of work recognized that the perks of a fulfilled employee experience lead to happier employees and higher employee retention with more capacity. With a staggering rate of dissatisfied employees, the American Dental Assistants Association emphasizes the need to retain teams and expresses the ongoing worry about the nationwide shortage of dental assistants and hygienists stemming from the recent rise in voluntary resignations amongst dental temps.
Happiness is a critical element of boosting a company’s success. But what exactly does being “happy” mean at a dental office? This blog highlights four ways to elevate employee satisfaction and keep the team happy.
Drive Employee Happiness With Purpose
A recent study from the International Journal of Environment and Public Health showed the significance of job descriptions for purpose-driven temporary dental professionals. To produce engaged workers, dental hygienists should work on regular, professional activities that demand their specific knowledge to keep them from pausing in their duties or quitting.
In his book The Truth About Employee Engagement, Patrick Lencioni notes that enhancing employee experience is crucial to make them feel they matter. It helps them see that their work has an impact and that they’re making progress. He emphasizes the importance of the social and self-actualization needs of the employees, which are often achieved through job recognition, honors, and awards at work, to teach employee trust. There is a good chance employee will be happier and more resilient if they feel appreciated and that their performance fits the dental practice’s goals.
Bring Joy to Dental Temps Through Recognition Schemes
According to Forbes Human Resources Council, dental offices could benefit from implementing a peer employee recognition program. These programs are relatively easy to set up, promote a fun workplace, boost teammate interaction, and drive communication for impact. Peer groups would be able to recognize each other’s efforts, enhancing the patient experience and improving dental performance.
By tailoring rewards to every worker, dental offices can positively impact their workforce through these special recognitions. However, tailoring rewards is a two-tier process: identifying what joy means to each employee and curating new means for employee experiences. For those who value personal growth, reward them with training and certifications for opportunities in career development. For movie buffs, you could offer a free subscription to their favorite streaming service. Similarly, you could provide e-gift cards and vouchers for those who enjoy retail therapy.
Performance-based rewards for employees that garner favorable online patient feedback are another means to incorporate a monthly or quarterly bonus system. It supports employee performance and happiness at dental practices and sets exemplary employee performance standards. Appraisals in a demanding and stressful job could do wonders. So, how can dental practices improve employee happiness?
Introducing Work-Life Balance at Dental Offices
Many dental offices have reported that it is challenging to ensure employees are not overburdened with odd hours while providing patients with desired appointment times amid their hectic schedules.
According to a survey published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, one in eight temporary dental professionals reported feeling emotionally exhausted from their jobs. The factors contributing to their discomfort were associated with the lack of work-life balance, including extended working hours, little to no leisure time, and minimal assistance during their shifts. Many dental offices recognized the need to reward their team with time off to prevent employee burnout and low productivity from long, demanding hours.
In the dental field, individuals yearn for flexibility. Many are unwilling to log forty working hours every week, which was previously considered an industry standard. Flexibility has become a significant driver of employee happiness by allowing them to work at their preferred time and place.
Stay Connected With Your Team
It’s not good for employees to dread coming to work on Monday morning. While employees frequently contact their coworkers, most interactions are formal and stiff. Creating opportunities for interaction in less formal, non-work settings is vital.
Schedule engagement activities for dental temps during work hours to help them bond with their coworkers. Workers often decline to go out after work. So, opportunities to work together on the job with fun-filled activities can help them come closer to their peers. Teams tend to be more cooperative, sympathetic, and understanding if they see each other as individuals rather than just coworkers.
Finding the Right Fit in the Face of Temporary Dental Practitioners
Outstanding qualifications and accomplishments are essential factors to consider when hiring dental temps. Additionally, a prospective employee’s values and personality can impact the workplace environment and dental practitioners. Despite their experience, a dental professional who causes stress in the workplace will undermine morale and decrease output. Therefore, it is essential to identify whether candidates emphasize good values.
Created by a practicing dentist for dental professionals, TempStars understands the job market and the unique temping and hiring demands to satisfy dentist and client demands. Sign up today and learn more about our trusted services to help reduce employee stress, keep your workers and patients happy, and keep your productivity on track.
