Losing a talented employee can be disheartening for any business. And, it’s especially hard for independent community pharmacies, which often have a close-knit team of employees.
Your employees actively contribute to the success and profitability of your pharmacy. Talented, hardworking and knowledgeable pharmacists, pharmacists-in-charge, pharmacy technicians and non-pharmacy employees play a key role in your business. They’re probably one of the many reasons patients choose your pharmacy over other options.
Employees leave for many reasons, but there are some steps you can take to make your pharmacy a desirable place to work. Try these five tips.
1. Provide training
Onboarding and continuing educational development are some great steps to take to keep talented employees.
Providing initial employee training can help new hires better understand your pharmacy’s culture, and will instill what your expectations are for them.
In addition, providing employees with opportunities to learn new skills through participating in continuing education (CE) programs is a great way to show that you value them—and their career advancement
2. Communicate, communicate, communicate
As a pharmacy owner or manager, it’s essential to communicate clearly and effectively with your employees.
Being an effective communicator includes letting employees know the latest news and changes at your pharmacy, being open to discussing altercations or disputes between coworkers, and being able to provide feedback to employees who are excelling while giving advice to those who may be slacking.
Proper communication will build trust in you as a manager, and is a key way to ensure long-term employee retention.
3. Performance reviews and rewards
Providing quarterly or annual performance reviews of your employees will help them know what they’re doing right, and can identify areas in which they could improve.
It’s also a good idea to recognize and reward employees who go above-and-beyond their typical duties. Rewarding productivity will encourage your employees to continue working extra hard. And, when employees feel appreciated, they’ll be more willing to ensure they’re doing everything they can to benefit your pharmacy.
Additionally, empowering your employees is great for your business. Empowered employees will be happier taking on extra duties, and will appreciate the opportunity to advance.
4. Advancement opportunities
If long-term employees at your pharmacy begin to feel job burnout, stress or disinterest, providing opportunities for growth is an effective way to keep them on board.
Look out for key indicators of job dissatisfaction, such as beginning to disengage, a change in attitude, sudden changes in schedule and taking extra time off.
For high-valued, well-experienced employees, consider finding ways to boost their job satisfaction. For instance, consider offering a bonus, new title or greater opportunities for them to advance their career at your pharmacy.
5. Provide an exit interview
For those employees who do choose to leave your pharmacy, find out why.
Providing an exit interview can help you better interpret any issues you need to sort out, learn ways your pharmacy can improve and help you discover what to look for in the next employee you hire.
Discover five tips to hire an outstanding pharmacy team at your business.
