7 Tips for Recognizing your Employees

Everyone talks about the value of Employees. It becomes fashionable to talk about 'employeeship' and 'employee recognition'. Empowerment became a big word in the Management Consulting arena. Managers love to say they believe in empowerment.

While employee recognition is much talked about, it is often sadly overlooked. Recognizing and rewarding employees is not easy. It can backfire very easily. It seems managers either get it, or they just don't.

Recognition has to be sincere and genuine. If it isn't your employees will know it- wouldn't you?

Here are 7 tips for recognizing your employees. These are great ideas that educate, motivate and inspire your team. Even better, these tips are not going to cost you a dime. A happy, invested team will always outperform bitter employees that are just doing a job.

7 Tips for Recognizing your Employees

1. Proactively Inform. Employees feel empowered when they are better informed. Not just when they ask or demand it, but when it is volunteered. Many Practice managers and owners make the mistake of keeping all the information to themselves. Instead, share them with your team. Don't just share the bad or negative information as in, 'our reimbursements are really going down so we need to cut costs', but also when times are good and revenue is up. By giving your employees information, you empower them to make informed, confident decisions and choices which not only benefit them but your entire Practice.
2. Mr. and Miss Independent. No one likes being micromanaged - do you? Employees value independence, so give it to them! When you work with your front desk person, or MA, or Nurse, or biller, tell them what needs to be done and then give them the ability to decide how to do it. You will increase their independence and ability to take more ownership of their role. If you have employee(s) that cannot think independently, you need to question if you've hired the right person.
3. Be Flexible. Everyone appreciates flexibility in their work. I know flex hours or working from home is not an option in a medical practice setting. However, there are ways to afford flexibility in terms of accommodating personal lives. Find ways to be flexible and employees will always respond positively.
4. Give more, Get more. Training and development is an ongoing process. It is not a one-time event. Provide employees opportunities to grow and learn by investing in their development. If they want to learn a skill, facilitate it, even pay for it. It shows your employees that you trust, respect and want the best for them. You will be rewarded when they perform at higher levels with each opportunity. This is one of those things you must genuinely believe in.
5. Decisions. Not even a 10 year old likes decisions being made for them all the time. So don't make the mistake of making all decisions for your employees all the time. They are closer than anyone to the work, to the patients; they are really the best decision makers. Of course, I'm not saying leave the practice to them. Take a step back and ask them what they think and what they recommend. They'll be more involved in the process and therefore more invested in the outcome.
6. How am I doing? Everyone wants to know how they are doing at any time, so hold frequent check-ins throughout the year so that you can have honest conversations about their performance. It will give you an opportunity to implement some things we are covering here.  You don't need a formal 'Review Process' as held by larger corporations. The more feedback you give your employees, the more they will be equipped to respond to the needs of your Practice.
7. Celebrate! Often we are so busy with the Practice, working, strategizing, executing ideas that we cruise through the year without taking time to celebrate all the successes along the way.We do have successes and it is paramount to celebrate them. Celebrate small successes, celebrate often and you'll get more back in return. Don't wait for the big event. You will foster a culture of recognition.