As we all excitedly and anxiously dive head first off that diving board into the depths of the unknown as we return to reality, one thing important to ensure is a priority to us all is wellbeing and health.
You may already be back to ‘normality’ – back working in the practice full time, 5 days a week (and the rest, if you’re dedicated like our clients)! Or you may have decided to take a more cautious approach and balance your time operationally between home and your workplace – more likely if you’re not at the forefront of procedures or patient facing.
Things have changed, and consistently continue to do so, therefore doing all you can to guarantee your staff’s wellbeing and health needs to be at the frontline of your business. 2021 is the year we push to make a greater comeback than we ever have before, and in order to do this we all need to certify that our team members are happy and healthy, more so now than ever after the troubling year we have all endured.
Mental Health
It’s possible the stress of returning to work full time may take its toll on your team. Make sure to check in with your TCO, administrator, dental assistant (and whoever else helps with the daily operations of your practice), to ensure they are coping with the workload and are effectively balancing their time.
Some team members may feel a little rusty and overwhelmed, it might be an idea to provide some back to work and refresher training – after all, our social interaction was at an all time low this last year.
Work Environment
The key to a healthy and happy workplace is harmony between employees and management; it should be a priority of all employees to promote healthy behaviours and actions especially in the current conditions.
In today’s working conditions, you should guarantee each staff member has adequate physical clean airy space with cleaning products available at their disposal. This shouldn’t be out of the ordinary for dental practice’s as high levels of hygiene are vital, however just make sure sanitiser and desk wipes are stocked up.
The hygiene and safety side is just one part of a happy and healthy work environment; positivity, communication, openness and flexibility all also play key roles.
Positivity
There’s so much going on around us at the moment, it feels like we’re being hit from every angle, therefore it is important to focus on the positives – we are healthy and we are working hard to achieve and exceed goals both business related and for our own personal growth. Help your employees to see the optimistic twist.
Take a break
This is beneficial for both employees and your practice. Taking some time away from work can improve your physical and mental health, reduce illness and generally improve your mood; make sure all your team are taking some time for themselves. This isn’t a problem for some team members but there are some who rarely take time off. For those individuals, encourage them to find times when they can take time to recharge, even if only for a few days at a time. It can be a nightmare for them when it gets to the end of the year and they have weeks of annual leave they either have to take in one go or lose out on.
Socialise
It’s been so long since we have all been able to fully relax and enjoy each other’s company. It’s time to arrange that well needed team day, away from the workplace and work responsibilities to just purely enjoy human interaction – after all, social interaction fosters emotional and mental wellbeing.
When your practice is happy and healthy, so are your team and also your patients. Make sure you’re not burning out post-covid!
