The Staffing Doctor
Re-Engaging Employees
Daniel Abramson
Actively disengaged employees are unhappy and don't care who knows it; additionally, they will undermine what engaged people aim to accomplish.
In the middle are employees who are not engaged and are thus not adding to business growth. They are happy to collect a paycheck, as long as they don't have to put in too much effort for it. Unfortunately, in most businesses, this represents the majority of the staffers.
THE TAKE-AWAY
In an optical practice, it's difficult to assess the mood and motivation of staff members because the doctor is most likely in the back of the house examining eyes, often with minimal interaction with other staff members.
Employees are clearly expressing their pent-up frustration with how they have been treated throughout the economic downturn. While employers have taken the necessary steps to streamline operations to remain competitive, it appears many employees have felt neglected in the process. The result is a disengaged and disgruntled workforce.
WHAT TO DO
■ Proper pay. Review your compensation program and take a look at a strong “Pay on Performance” component. Need some help or don't know how to do this? Call me. Companies that are offering salary increases are using the cost of living adjustment (COLA) at three percent.
■ Field trips. Take some of your key staff members to local optical industry events and meetings to get a mental fill-up on product and professional issues.
■ Balance. Take a look at who's doing what in your practice. Ensure that the workload is balanced and that everyone is pitching in. Be careful about playing favorites.
■ Communication. Hold formal review sessions twice a year. Talk to your employees. Keep them informed of new policies and procedures. Don't keep secrets—an informed and educated employee is much more effective. EB
Praise & RewardShow appreciation with quick notes and gift cards to restaurants, Starbucks, or stores. Pick up the phone and thank people personally; we all spend way too much time at our computers, emailing. Praise people in front of other staff members. And reprimand staff members behind closed doors when necessary. Another way to show appreciation: purchase six helium balloons and give them to an employee for going above and behind. Hang them on the back of chair for people to see. |
Daniel Abramson is the president and founder of StaffDynamics.
If you have a question you'd like to have answered in The Staffing Doctor, send it to editor@eyecarebusiness.com or Daniel@staffdynamics.biz. An archive of past The Staffing Doctor columns can be found at www.eyecarebusiness.com.
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