Your team plays an integral role in how well your dental practice runs. This might seem obvious, but if your team knows what’s expected of them and how to perform their tasks well, the more organized your practice is. An organized practice keeps everything flowing optimally for both your team and patients.
But what about new hires? How can you bring them up to speed while including them in the routine? In this post, we’ll look at four tips to train new staff well to get and keep them motivated and encouraged.
TIP #1: PAIR UP
Do ou have a seasoned member on your team? Pair your new hire with them for a few days! This is especially helpful since they will be working in the same systems, but works best if you have a larger team. Have your new hire spend time shadowing one of the more experienced staff members so they can have a better understanding of what to expect daily. Another benefit to pairing a new hire up with someone is that it helps establish rapport and connections from the beginning instead of waiting several weeks or months.
TIP #2: ALL SYSTEMS GO
With the rise of technology comes several different systems. In turn, these systems require proper access and login credentials. Depending on the job title, some positions rely more heavily on these systems than others. However, making sure a new hire has access to the necessary systems is a practical and time-saving tip to follow. Consider dedicating a new hire’s first day to helping them get set up and logged in to all systems. A small step like this can help a new hire feel prepared and included.
TIP #3: COMMUNICATE REGULARLY
Communication is especially important when it comes to onboarding a new member onto your team. For the first few weeks, be intentional about meeting with your new hire to see how they are adjusting. Even if you can’t do it every day, try and check in at least once a week as your new employee gets settled in. You are learning the ropes of working with each other, so use this time to get to know them and share about yourself and the team.
TIP #4: TAKE IT SLOW
Finally, remember to give your new hire a chance to learn without giving them too much responsibility at first. There is a learning curve to any new work environment, even if someone has spent decades in the industry elsewhere. Give your new employee the chance to ask questions and encourage more experienced team members to come alongside them as they do.
For more practical tips on how to manage the hiring and training process in your dental practice, pick up Dr. Coughlin’s book Just Enough to Be Great in Your Dental Profession: Processes and Procedures for Success.