Building a Strong Healthcare Team: Prioritizing Staff in a Post-Pandemic World

Building a Strong Healthcare Team: Prioritizing Staff in a Post-Pandemic World

Created with help from ChatGPT from the AAOE 2023 Annual Conference education session of the same name

In the ever-evolving landscape of the healthcare industry, a fundamental shift is taking place. Traditionally, healthcare providers have primarily focused on delivering patient-centered care. However, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and amid significant workforce challenges, it's time to reconsider this approach. As a former practice manager with over five years of experience, I urge you to embrace a different perspective for a moment – one where you prioritize your staff first.

Why is this shift in mindset necessary? Recent studies have indicated that by 2025, a staggering 47% of healthcare workers may leave the industry. The constant refrain in healthcare circles is the difficulty in finding and retaining talented staff. To address this critical issue, even if only for today, let's emphasize the importance of putting your staff first. After all, without a competent and contented team, patient care will inevitably suffer.

In today's digital age, patients are quick to express their opinions about their healthcare experiences. When searching for a new healthcare provider, many potential patients turn to online reviews. It's not uncommon to read rave reviews about a doctor's expertise but be discouraged by scathing criticisms of the staff's rudeness, unresponsiveness, or inefficiency. The truth is, your staff's performance can significantly impact your practice's reputation and success.

So, how do you build a culture where your staff feels valued and appreciated? The lessons from the pandemic have underscored that people crave appreciation and work-life balance. Today, we will delve into strategies for cultivating a positive culture within the healthcare industry, focusing on hiring and retaining top talent. Here are some key steps to consider:

1. Embrace Technology in Hiring: In the age of smartphones and online platforms, harness the power of technology in your recruitment efforts. Use social media, databases, and job search apps to reach potential candidates. Adapt to the digital landscape to stay competitive in the talent market.

2. Combine Technology with Personal Interaction: While technology plays a vital role in the initial stages of hiring, candidates still value personal interactions. Even virtual interviews and shadow days can help candidates get a sense of your practice's culture and their potential fit within the team.

3. Recruitment and Retention: It's not just about finding people; it's about keeping them. Develop a plan to identify, attract, and retain top talent. Utilize your network, maintain a database of potential candidates, and have a clear job description, salary range, and hiring timeline.

4. Job Descriptions Matter: Craft detailed job descriptions that outline the title, reporting structure, responsibilities, and work hours. Transparency about work expectations, including remote or flexible options, is crucial in today's work-life balance-driven culture.

5. Competitive Compensation: Research market rates and compensation packages. Recognize that compensation is not just about salary but also includes benefits like healthcare, flexible hours, 401(k) matching, and more.

6. Assess Cultural Fit: During the interview process, evaluate whether candidates align with your practice's culture and values. Shadow days can be invaluable in determining if they will integrate well with your existing team.

7. Cast a Wide Net: Don't limit your search to external candidates only. Consider promoting from within your organization if there are talented individuals who can be groomed for higher positions.

8. Be Realistic: Tailor your recruitment strategies to your practice's size and budget. Understand that small practices may have limitations compared to larger healthcare organizations.

9. Implement a Point System: Use a point-based system to evaluate candidates objectively, focusing on their qualifications and skills rather than personal biases or preferences.

10. Comprehensive Reference Checks: Conduct thorough reference checks to verify the information provided by candidates. A candidate's work history can reveal crucial insights into their reliability and integrity.

11. Extend Contingent Offers: Make job offers contingent upon the successful completion of background checks, reference checks, and other relevant verifications.

12. Effective Onboarding: Ensure a well-structured onboarding process to set new hires up for success. Provide them with clear expectations, support, and mentorship.

13. Ongoing Support and Development: Offer opportunities for personal and professional growth to keep your staff engaged and motivated.

14. Inclusivity and Diversity: Foster an inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages different perspectives.

In conclusion, the healthcare industry is at a crossroads, and the importance of prioritizing your staff cannot be overstated. By implementing these strategies and embracing a staff-first mentality, you can build a strong and resilient healthcare team that delivers exceptional patient care. Remember, your staff's satisfaction and well-being directly impact your practice's success and reputation in the post-pandemic world.

Thank you to our speaker, Nicola Hawkinson, SpineSearch, LLC

Need some education for your new hires that includes a foundation to understand what practice management entails and get customer service right? Check out our onboarding bundle – specifically created for orthopedic practices.

Want more content like this? Visit our Learning Center and Library, or Register for the AAOE 2024 Annual Conference.