One critical aspect of every successful dental practice is the employees. However, when a personnel issue arises, your HR strategies should protect you and your dental practice assets. Unfortunately, most lawsuits are about the perception of events rather than truth, so ensuring proactive HR strategies are present before an incident occurs is a prime responsibility as an employer. Your dental practice consultants at Bryant Consultants are unveiling the HR strategies every dental practice needs.
Policy and Procedure Manual
The policy and procedure manual for your dental practice provides a fundamental management framework that illustrates how you run your practice. The manual provides clear direction when a misunderstanding occurs and serves as a defense of your positions because of its comprehensive nature and good faith attempt to maintain legal responsibilities. An HR professional should guide the development of your policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all state and federal requirements. Although it may take less time or be less expensive, Bryant Consultants advise against copying another dental practice manual. Regulations differ between practices as the number of employees varies, the exact type of business is different, and in which state you operate. Also, you may run your business differently than the other. You will, therefore, require a manual as unique as your dental practice.
Job Descriptions
Job descriptions are critical for employees to understand their responsibilities and to set crystal clear expectations for their position. Each year, employees should review their current job description, update any changes, and sign the new form acknowledging their understanding. Some dental practices, and your leading dental practice consultants, Bryant Consultants, request the employees to prepare and edit their job description. The employee fully understands the day-to-day requirements of the position, making it easier to develop a thorough description. Also, the employee should fully understand the expectations required of them, allowing the job description to pose as a defense during an employee lawsuit.
Performance Appraisals
Performance appraisals provide a unique one on one opportunity to discuss job performance with your employees. During the appraisal process, share things they are doing well and areas that need improvement. Conducting appraisals can reduce negative behavior and reward positive behavior. The evaluations also provide the opportunity for growth in your employee and your practice. Legally, performance appraisals can help protect your practice when an employee files a claim against you or the dental practice. With accurate information and a signed evaluation by the employee, it could be your best defense in court proceedings. Our professional recommend documenting poor performance, the intent to communicate with the employee, the desire to improve their performance, the awareness of your concerns, and the resulting consequences if their performance did not improve.
Dental Practice Consultants
Protect your practice’s assets by instilling the above HR practices, so your dental practice can run effectively, smoothly, and happily. If you would like to learn more or schedule a complimentary one-hour consultation, please contact Bryant Consultants by calling (877) 768-4799. We provide consultation, training, and coaching and will continue to post relevant updates regarding the coronavirus pandemic. To ensure that you receive the latest updates, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
