Inside: Boost morale and get your pharmacy team energized to better serve patients. With a few simple changes, you can create a positive work environment that motivates employees to do their best.
Have you noticed a lack of energy in your pharmacy?
When your employees are energized and exude positivity, productivity increases and your pharmacy thrives.
But how do you close an energy gap among employees and get them back on the path to success?
Check out these 10 ways to boost morale and re-energize your pharmacy team.
1. Celebrate wins
Your team works hard to reach your pharmacy’s goals, so it’s important to celebrate when you achieve those goals.
For example, if you achieved your goal of increasing your script count last month, have lunch catered to the pharmacy to celebrate the accomplishment.
Rewarding employees for their hard work will empower them to work that much harder.
2. Honor special occasions
Honoring special occasions makes employees feel special and gets them excited about coming to work.
Celebrate new hires, birthdays and work anniversaries at your pharmacy by recognizing employees. Whether it’s having all your employees sign a special card or throwing a small party, they’ll appreciate the gesture.
3. Model enthusiasm
As the leader, you have to set an example for your pharmacy team.
After all, if you’re not enthusiastic about what you do, why should your employees be?
Encourage a happy, energized work environment by emulating those qualities yourself, even on days when that may not be how you really feel.
If you have a positive attitude and outlook, your employees will follow suit.
4. Engage with employees
When you build positive relationships with your employees, they’ll be more inclined to work hard and give you their full support.
Get to know your employees and engage with them, beyond just a daily “hello” and “goodbye.”
For example, if an employee’s son just graduated college, extend your congratulations. Or, if an employee had to take off work because her child was sick, follow up to see how she’s doing.
5. Include employees’ families
Your employees work hard, which often times means additional hours spent in your pharmacy. It’s important to remember that hard work and long hours can affect their families, too.
And, employees need their families’ support in order to continue working hard.
Make it a point to get to know your employees’ families, and include them in any work-related events. When you show the families your appreciation, they’ll be more supportive of your employees and your pharmacy.
6. Create learning opportunities
Most employees at your pharmacy are looking to learn and advance their careers.
Make sure employees don’t get stuck in a rut. Create learning opportunities that will help them succeed—and grow.
For example, let employees shadow a manager, so they can learn what it takes to be a leader. Or, allow them time off to take a continuing education (CE) course that relates to their position.
7. Communicate your vision
Your employees need something to be excited about in order to feel passionate about working in your pharmacy.
Clearly communicating your vision for your pharmacy business will help them to think big and work hard to achieve your goals.
For example, if your vision is to become a health care destination in your community by offering a variety of patient care services, paint that picture for your employees. Get them involved in making it happen.
8. Offer flexibility
A little flexibility goes a long way.
Showing your pharmacy team that you can be flexible when needed and promote a work-life balance will make them appreciate their jobs more.
Allow employees to take time off when they need it, and keep an eye on when they’re putting in too many hours. If you notice they seem overworked or stressed, give them a break from the pharmacy for a bit.
RELATED: 10 Ways You’re Making Life Difficult for Your Pharmacy Employees
9. Give incentives
Incentives are a great way to boost morale and encourage employees to work harder.
Reward your employees individually when they’re doing a great job. For example, implement an employee of the month program. Choose an employee to recognize each month and reward him or her with a gift card or a free lunch.
You can also incentivize employees to bring in new business by offering a small reward to anyone who successfully refers a patient to your pharmacy.
10. Promote fun
Sometimes your pharmacy team needs to have a little fun to lift their spirits and get them feeling excited about work again.
Promote a work environment where fun is welcome, when appropriate.
For example, plan a fun event for each holiday. Host a luncheon around the holiday season, have a costume contest for Halloween or create a special tradition for employees’ birthdays.
Not all employees respond to morale-boosting tactics. Learn how to manage difficult employees in your pharmacy.
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