As the backbone of any healthcare practice, the well-being of medical office staff is paramount to ensuring a smooth, efficient, and compassionate delivery of patient care. Medical office managers play a crucial role in fostering a supportive work environment that prioritizes the mental and physical health of their team. Given that May is Mental Health Awareness Month, there is … [Read more...] about Supporting staff well-being: A critical responsibility for medical office managers
Managing staff
What to do when your doctor becomes a patient
Their role as healers makes it easy to forget physicians are subject to the same illnesses that befall other humans. They are not invincible, even though their silence about their own health might lead staff and patients to believe otherwise. Physician illness is a topic that's not often discussed, even within the physician community. When physicians do broach the subject, … [Read more...] about What to do when your doctor becomes a patient
8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
A manager can have great knowledge and great skills, but without credibility with both doctors and staff, don't expect success. What is credibility? It can be defined as "what we do and how we do it that causes others to respect and believe us." The "what-we-do" is the tangible things – the work and its results. The "how-we-do-it" is the behavior that demonstrates a person's … [Read more...] about 8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
How to improve your office team with cross-training
Cross-training in a medical office is a powerful strategy to boost your team's capabilities, enhance operations, and provide top-notch patient care. By broadening the skill sets of your staff, you create a more versatile workforce capable of handling diverse responsibilities. Advantages of Cross-Training Enhanced Flexibility: Example: A medical receptionist … [Read more...] about How to improve your office team with cross-training
Employee retention: An important art for every office
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen I write so much about widespread employee issues, lawsuits, and "mess management" that I sometimes sound as if I don't value employees. The reality is that good employees are a treasure. That's often especially true in a medical office. But it's also worth noting that reports by a national management company found that more than 60 percent of … [Read more...] about Employee retention: An important art for every office
Model Tool: Employee referral form
Why you need this form: Employee referral continues to be the No. 1 source of external hires. Good employees know other good employees, so why not tap this valuable pipeline of potential job candidates? How this form helps you: This customizable, sample form provides a mechanism for tracking employee referrals. How to use this form: This Model Form serves as a template. … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Employee referral form
Flex-retirement: A win-win strategy for employee retention
Employee retention is not only a cost-effective strategy, but it also helps maintain institutional knowledge and ensures a smoother transition when team members retire. One innovative approach that can facilitate this transition and keep experienced staff on board is “flex-retirement.” What Is Flex-Retirement? Flex-retirement, also known as flexible retirement, is a … [Read more...] about Flex-retirement: A win-win strategy for employee retention
Employers need to come to grips with employees’ mental health struggles
By Lynne Curry “I’m not my employees’ babysitter, their mommy, or their therapist,” the CEO insisted. The problem that led to his call—his company’s 2024 employee survey revealed large numbers of his company’s employees expected mental health benefits. “What are these employees thinking?” he asked. “We offer a generous sick leave allowance and they’re asking for paid … [Read more...] about Employers need to come to grips with employees’ mental health struggles
Employee morale and your practice’s productivity: 5 easy ways to boost both
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Employees' attitudes have changed over the years. Good, loyal employees want more than a paycheck and health benefits. Studies have shown that compensation does not even rate in the top 5 of what makes an employee happy with their job. I believe happy employees are productive employees and anyone who believes otherwise is overlooking the … [Read more...] about Employee morale and your practice’s productivity: 5 easy ways to boost both
Research report: Recognition good for engagement and beating burnout
New research show four practical steps organizations can take to improve culture through the power of recognition. Workhuman and Gallup have released a report, Empowering Workplace Culture Through Recognition, which examines the significance of recognition in the workplace as both a foundational element and a catalyst for organizational culture. Employees who strongly agree … [Read more...] about Research report: Recognition good for engagement and beating burnout