(e)Merging Practice Growth Trends:

  February Update

 Your Patients are Engaged, are Your Employees?

 Employees who don't feel connected to their work, engaged by their management or loyal to their organization are 53% less productive than their engaged counterparts. Employee engagement is hugely important in the healthcare industry. With loads of paperwork, EMR transitions, industry overhauls, an endless stream of patients, new emphasis on customer service and a daily influence on matters of life or death, it is vital that healthcare workers be passionately plugged into their work.

Kellie Eisenhauer is a human resources expert at (e)Merge. "Employees who are highly engaged are excited, enthusiastic, focused on their work, emotionally and mentally involved with their company, highly productive, not easily distracted. That energy and momentum is critical for optimum business success."

Research published in a 1999 Harvard Business Review demonstrated that people excel at jobs that interest them deeply, more than at jobs that their education, skills or experience might suggest are perfect fits for them.

"This is why we sift through a practice's employees, making sure they are in the right job role," says Eisenhauer.  "If an employee is not engaged, it may not be that they are a bad employee, they're just not a fit for that particular occupation. If they are put in a position where they can be passionate about their work, it will benefit them and their employer."

Jamie Verkamp is Director of Growth and Development at (e)Merge. "Many of our clients see it as a daunting task to tackle issues like these that are more human resources-related. They are often surprised and impressed by how quickly we can evaluate their staff and implement necessary, positive change."

January's Highlights:

 Last month was the start of our four-part webinar series: Social Media for Healthcare Leaders Workshop.  With Jamie Verkamp's expertise in healthcare social media and David Harlow's experience as a healthcare attorney, the duo is collaborating to help healthcare professionals develop a HIPAA compliant social media strategy.  This program has been very well received and it is clear that there are a large number of healthcare leaders who are looking to expand their online presence.  We've got a great group of participants this session and we're looking forward to offering this workshop again in 2011. If you are interested in participating in the next workshop, be sure to check our upcoming newsletters for more information!

  Put it into Practice!

Research shows that engaged employees can outperform their disengaged counterparts by as much as 200%.  Here are some tips to keep your staff enthusiastic, focused on their work and emotionally and mentally involved with your company.  

• Break up the daily routine once and awhile to have fun with your employees.  This will increase productivity and make the workplace a more fulfilling atmosphere for staff.
• Make sure that you have the right people in the right positions.  You cannot engage people who are not a good fit to their positions. 
• Implement regularly scheduled team building workshops. This will create an environment in which employees can get to know each other on a different level. Encourage employee feedback and input during these meetings to keep them mentally involved with your organization.

   How does your Practice Measure Up?

With our exhaustive 130 point mystery shopping review, you'll know the answer. Give us a call or email Jamie today to discuss how our mystery shopping services can ensure practice growth in 2011!