© Lacheev | Dreamstime.com
Dreamstime Xxl 224980533

Dear Boss: Happy employees are the key to a successful practice

Sept. 17, 2021
Sometimes a simple "thank you" now and then can go a long way toward creating a positive work environment.

The Dental Office Manager Digest column “Dear Boss” is designed for office managers to be able to speak their minds by anonymously writing a “letter” to their boss. Send your letters to [email protected]. Depending on how many are received, your letter may take a while to appear in DOMD.

Dear Boss,

I have been working in the dental field for over 12 years now. I’ve worked in three offices in my life, and I have to say that you've been the most difficult, unappreciative, ungrateful person I have ever worked with. There have been so many days that your attitude has negatively affected everyone in the office. You pay most of us a fair salary, but to run a successful practice, staff needs to feel appreciated and happy when they are working. You make that almost impossible by talking down to staff and never saying "thank you."

At our most recent staff meeting, our office manager brought up that we wanted health benefits as part of our compensation package. Instead of discussing the matter, you just shrugged your shoulders, said the cost is outrageous for health benefits, and walked away. This was rude, unprofessional, and inconsiderate.

I also want to mention that there has been so much turnover at the front desk due to you simply not being able to respect others. No one wants to accept the way you talk to them. As a loyal employee, I agree to cover the front desk when a new employee decides to walk out on you. This is not fair and has to stop! I am constantly training new people, which takes me away from  my responsibilities. Then you get an attitude when things aren’t done on time. 

I am grateful that you pay me and the staff well, but in the end I feel that happy employees are the best employees. They care about the practice and go the extra mile when needed. It takes happy employees to run a successful business, period.

A team-building activity, box of donuts, or a simple "thank you" before walking out the door make all the difference. 

Sincerely,

Anonymous

Related: 

Dear Boss: Your selfishness is exhausting

Dear Boss: The pandemic truly brought out the worst in you

Dear Boss: Your wife is a lousy office manager