TO KEEP EMPLOYEES IN THE PRACTICE, LEARN WHAT MAKES THEM HAPPY

CONDUCTING A “STAY INTERVIEW” is much more productive than conducting an “exit interview.” A stay interview helps you to understand what is important to your employees and how to develop a company at which your employees want to work.

Here’s a look at how to implement stay interviews.

GET STARTED

These interviews don’t have to be formal or scheduled. They could be spontaneous, one-on-one time. For example, on a slow day, ask your receptionist whether she has a moment or two.

Next, set some ground rules. Specifically, let her know you want to find out how to make the practice better, so you are going to ask a few questions about her experience. Make sure she feels at ease by being clear that it is safe to tell you things you may not want to hear. For your part, keep an open mind.

Who is Looking for a New Job?

SUGGESTED QUESTIONS

1. What do you enjoy about your role in the practice?
2. What are three reasons you continue to work here?
3. Do you feel that you are making an impact on people’s lives with the work that you do?
4. What areas might you feel you need more training in?
5. What areas, if any, do you feel you are not utilized to the best of your abilities?
6. Are there talents and interests you have that we are not aware of?
7. Do you feel that you can express your suggestions and opinions about the practice and that you are heard and listened to?
8. Do you feel involved in making this practice successful?
9. If you could give me three ideas on how to manage you better, what would they be?
10. If you could completely change and redesign your role, what would it look like?
11. Where would you like to be in one year? Two years? Five years? How can we help you get there?
12. What do you find challenging about your role, or the practice, that we could improve?
13. Can you list two things you have accomplished for which you deserve recognition?
14. Is there as a new skill or advanced training you would like?
15. On a scale of one to five, where would you rate the team’s happiness?
16. What suggestions might you have for building a better practice?

This valuable information allows you to analyze your effectiveness and immediate causes for concern.

LAST NOTE

Keeping employees engaged and happy is a crucial business strategy. Just 37% of engaged employees report looking for jobs, while employees who are not engaged, 56%, or are actively disengaged, 73%, are also looking, reports a 2017 Gallup poll. By knowing what employees love at work, you can ensure they get more of it and, thus, stay. OM

MS. CHAREST is the co-founder of 4ECPs, a practice management resource company for eye care professionals. 4ECPs has six divisions, including eye care jobs, marketing, social media, payments, events and training. Visit www.4ecps.com , or email trudi@4ecps.com.