Physicians are central to disease management, population health, and healthcare systems. Unfortunately, physician turnover rates continue to increase. One way to lower attrition is to look at your physician retention strategies. A solid plan can help improve physician performance and satisfaction and reduce expensive turnover.
The following five physician retention strategies can help improve your company’s retention rates.
Strategy 1 – Find the Right Fit from the Start
When you hire someone who is a good match for the role, you give yourself the best chance of keeping them long-term. That means you should prepare for an in-depth interview and be honest about the company culture and what they can expect. Also, be prepared to offer the best benefits package and salary your budget will allow.
It’s always a good rule of thumb to be aware of what your competition is offering. In a competitive job market, the benefits may be the deciding factor between opportunities.
Strategy 2 – Plan a Streamlined Onboarding Process
One of the best ways to improve physician retention is to make your new employee feel welcome and comfortable. Did you know that most people form loyalties and attachments within the first few weeks of starting a new job? A strong onboarding process can help with this. Also, coordinate with the different departments to ensure information is organized and not repetitious. The following are some other tips to help a new hire feel valued:
- Welcome them with a small gift
- Schedule lunch so the new physician can get to know their team
- Provide a comprehensive orientation
- Deliver all the equipment the new physician needs to do their job upon their arrival
Strategy 3 – Facilitate Ongoing Communication
It’s essential to ask for and listen to employee feedback. It is equally important to take action to make improvements and address issues. If a concern remains unaddressed, you risk unhappy and frustrated employees. When employees feel that their voice isn’t heard, it’s often the first step in looking for a new job. Also, don’t be afraid to try something new to solve a problem. After implementation, you can assess it. If it works, great. Then it becomes a win for everyone.
Strategy 4 – Measure Your Retention
What defines physician retention success varies for each organization. However, it’s vital to establish metrics and track them to recognize when reductions are occurring. If they uptick, you are better positioned to identify the cause and adjust.
Strategy 5 – Partner with a Professional Recruiting Firm
Professional healthcare recruiting firms, like Santé Consulting, are a valuable resource for hiring managers. We have a proprietary nationwide network and excel at matching the right candidate with the right client. Also, we vet all applicants and prepare the best candidates for each client’s job opening. As a result, we help to ensure a successful hire.
Let’s Work Together
At Santé Consulting, we specialize in recruiting and retaining laboratory professionals nationwide. If you are an organization seeking a partner to help you recruit and retain your workforce, please contact us. All consultations are confidential.