Spot Subtle Staff Shifts

Sarah, your vet tech, was late again.

She also seems disengaged during team meetings. 

I know you might want to brush it off as a personal issue Sarah is having outside of work.

These could also be early signs of employee dissatisfaction.

Also, be on the lookout for:

• Decreased Productivity and Quality of Work: If Sarah begins missing deadlines, showing a lack of attention to detail, or making uncharacteristic errors, it might be a sign that she is losing interest in her role.

• Withdrawal from Team Activities: A sudden lack of participation in meetings or social functions can indicate reduced engagement, suggesting she may no longer feel as connected to the team or the practice.

When it’s not just Sarah but a general air of discontent brewing among your staff, reevaluate the work environment you create.

Retaining talent is significantly more cost-effective than recruiting and training new staff. 

So, catch and address dissatisfaction early to maintain the high level of care your practice is known for. 

Offer a supportive environment with benefits, opportunities for continuing education, and a positive workplace culture to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

But you can only do so much.

If a supportive environment doesn’t improve Sarah’s behavior, you might have to consider firing her.

Visit my resource library for more guidance, tips, and tools to handle difficult conversations and navigate your practice with confidence and empathy.