I’ve heard several people refer to this time of pandemic, when non-essential businesses are closed and we are all sheltering at home, as “The Great Pause.” And many are using it for some much-needed reflection and reprioritization.
I don’t want to belittle the real challenges, economic hardships and fears that come with COVID-19. I know many businesses, including medical practices, are struggling right now as volumes and incomes are down. However, I believe courageous medical leaders can find creative ways to power through this time, keep their staffs employed, look at their practices in new ways and prepare for the future. Here are a few examples:
- Rather than laying off employees, use their extra time and energy to tackle projects for your practice that you may have put off because everyone was too busy. This can include things like cleaning up files, reorganizing cabinets or maybe even putting up a fresh coat of paint.
- Reach out to patients. Make calls or send handwritten notes. Check on them and ask how they are doing and feeling during this very difficult time. Even if you just dedicate an hour a day, it can strengthen connections. Patients appreciate the care, concern and personalized outreach.
- Engage your team in analyzing your practice operations and planning for the future. Review patient satisfaction surveys together. Ask questions. What isn’t working? What could be done better? What might need to be done differently now? Let your staff be creative and share ideas. Listen to their unique insights and perspectives. Then devise a plan for how to put these valuable new strategies into action.
- Keep your team connected and motivated, and show your appreciation for the important roles they each play. Communicate honestly but share hope for better days ahead.
How can your practice be ready to come back even better than before?