Ancillary Staff Bonuses

 

From Dr. Shawna Flanagan

I used to give my staff a Christmas/Holiday Bonus at the end of the year. Sometimes staff would expect this even if they had only worked in the office for several months. I changed my policy to every 6-month review and bonus structure. Every six months the other staff anonymously evaluates the person who is having their six-month review. The person can get a one-week bonus check if they are doing well in the eyes of their coworkers. My office manager and I also have a sit-down meeting with the person to address any issues they may want to speak about or discuss things they are doing well and address issues that need work. This is better for the practice financially as well as the bonuses are staggered. Each staff member who is performing well gets a two-week extra bonus check per year.

I have $5 bills and when someone on the staff goes beyond in the office, they can recommend another staff member for a high five---a $5 “tip” if you will. The staff love giving and getting high fives. We do limit it to exceptional things usually beyond one’s job description

 

From Dr. Cather McKay

As an employee in a larger practice, I have a dedicated team of four nurses/medical assistants and one assigned scheduler. The practice bonuses all ancillary staff in their paycheck. In addition, I gift my team cash in early December so they can use this for holiday shopping. I also gift them a smaller more personal present such as stationary closer to Christmas so they have something to open. We celebrate birthdays throughout the year with a cake, gifts and decorations. I couldn’t do my job throughout the year without them, so I try hard to ensure they know how appreciated they are.

From Dr. Susan Massick  

Having great staff is priceless, and everyone wants to be appreciated and feel valued. The holiday season is a perfect time to express gratitude to the critical people who help make your office run smoothly. Every December, the physicians in our group donate money to recognize every staff member with a holiday gift on a sliding scale based on years of service (6 months-5 years, 6-10 yrs, 11-15 yrs, and 15+). Staff is expected to wear uniforms with our medical center logo, so I will gift my staff a uniform item of their choice every year along with an additional gift card to their favorite online store. Other small perks: Everyone gets a cake and card to celebrate their birthday. Since we don’t allow drug rep lunches (or anything from drug reps) in our office, we order lunch for the whole staff multiple times throughout the year and especially during the holiday season.

 

Bottom line: Don’t be a Scrooge!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) News You Can Use Committee supports Dermatologists at any stage of their career looking to manage or start their own practice by offering resources on navigating the practice environment. Visit the WDS blog for more tips and advice.