Healthcare is a fast-paced and stressful industry. With so many urgent issues to attend to, managers often struggle to find time to connect with their subordinates. In fact, a lack of engagement between management and their employees is a common complaint in the business world, one that frequently results in the loss of top performers. If you’re having trouble connecting with your healthcare team, here are a few tips that will help you bridge the gap.
Engaging with respect
Healthcare teams tend to be very diverse. After all, a wide variety of disciplines requires a wide variety of education levels. Some of your employees will have high-level degrees, others will have vocational schooling, and others will have been trained on the job. Still, each department (and each individual) has unique and valuable skills. Though it may feel easier to connect with certain teammates, especially those who share your professional background, it’s important to treat every member of your staff with the same level of respect.
Connecting on a personal level
During an average workweek, your employees might spend nearly half of their waking hours on the clock. As such, it’s unsurprising that workers look for more in their job than just a paycheck. Of course, engaging professionally is important. If your only interactions with your staff are to give professional feedback, however, you’ll never connect with them on a personal level. In contrast, efforts to engage personally will be appreciated and, in turn, will help them feel engaged with their work.
Showing consistency
Your employees can only give their best if they know what is expected of them. Therefore, if your policies and demands are inconsistent, it will feel like the rug is constantly being pulled out from under them. Since healthcare is already in constant flux due to regulatory change and technical advancement, consistent leadership is the best way to provide some solidity to the workplace.
Expressing appreciation for your healthcare staff
Most people enter healthcare because they see it as a meaningful and fulfilling profession. Sadly, it’s easy to lose track of that optimism in a stressful workplace. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to reinforce your staff’s enthusiasm. Be sure to offer regular commendation to every member of your team. Remember, commendation is most effective when it is specific, so pay attention to their performance so you can pick out specific achievements.
Partner with Expert Staffing!
Creating an enthusiastic, connected healthcare team is a goal worth fighting for. At Expert Staffing, we understand how valuable a strong team is. Our expert recruiters are dedicated to helping you build a talented team of healthcare professionals. To find out more about our medical staffing services, contact our representatives today.
