What Team Members LOVE - HATE About Their Jobs

What Staff Love/Hate About Their Jobs

As future practice owners or associates, staff morale may seem more like a nicety than a necessity. However, staff members who dislike their jobs don’t perform as well as those who truly love their jobs and the people for whom they work. They’re not as interested in what they do or how well they do it. They tend to be more careless and they’re not as pleasant to patients. And that can take a heavy toll on patient satisfaction and a dentist’s reputation.

One of my seminar surveys asks staff members in attendance to write on index cards what they like or dislike about the dentists for whom they work. No signatures are required to encourage forthright answers without concern for repercussions.

I’ve compiled some of these replies, both favorable and unfavorable, in the hope these insights will help you as an employer or associate to achieve a happier, more productive workplace.

Favorable replies

“For the most part, my reasons for staying on this job are the quality of my relationship with the doctor and a situation where I am not taken advantage of, either on the basis of workload, salary or lack of respect.”

“The doctor respects my judgment as a hygienist and frequently asks my opinion. It’s the highest form of praise – and very gratifying.”

“I’m the caretaker for a seriously ill family member. The doctor has been wonderfully supportive in helping me juggle my schedule to meet my needs in this situation. He lets me know that family is the number one priority and does not make me feel guilty about the time off that I need. That relieves me of additional pressures. I make sure I give back in return.”

“He makes us feel important and lets patients know we’re

important. He never calls us ‘the girls’ and always uses our names.”

Unfavorable replies

“She has a great sense of humor which makes it pleasant for everyone – patients included.”

“My first job was in a practice that focused on efficiency and financial performance. Employees were only a ‘means to an end.’ This practice is totally different – one that puts people first –.and manages from the heart. I love working here.”

“Over the years there have been several patients who were rude, insulting and made inappropriate remarks to us (staff). When the doctor was told about these patients, he took then aside, told them if they ever repeated this behavior, they would be dismissed from the practice. And he meant it. Putting us first was greatly appreciated.”

“I love the continuing education courses that we attend and the opportunity it gives us to network, learn new skills and make our work more interesting and satisfying.”

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siderable thought to how their moods and actions

“Moody one day, nice the next. You never know what to expect.”

affect the people with whom they interact most frequently and intensely. They constantly make adjustments to be more thoughtful and accommodating – especially in time of need. It results in staffs that are happier, more productive and loyal.

“Staff members who shouldn’t be here are allowed to stay.”

“Plays favorites.” “I’m often asked to stay late which is a terrible imposition. To make matters worse, it’s not appreciated.”

A new employee was hired with far less experience than I have and is being paid more than me – and I’ve been here four years. And who do you think they asked to train this new employee? Me!”

“The doctor never says ‘Thank you’ for anything – ever!”

“The young associate in our practice treats us like we’re his slaves. ‘Get this! Do that!’”

“We’re been told there’s not going to be raises – and if you don’t like it, you can find work elsewhere. The office morale stinks.”

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