Dealing With Staff Gossip

Many dentists are noticing problems with dental staff gossiping and spreading rumors, about one another and even about patients. This problem is much more common in dental offices where the staff feels left out of the loop and the decision making process. If your employees don’t know what’s going on, they may try to fill the gap with rumors and gossip. It’s important that you keep the lines of communication open.

Workplace Gossip

Besides keeping your staff up-to-date on the goings on of the practice, it’s also a good idea to increase accountability in the office. Make sure duties are thoroughly outlined and everyone’s responsibilities are clear. This will decrease the feeling some employees may have of being taken advantage of by their coworkers.

Gossip, rumors, and tension among your staff can be quite destructive to your dental practice. You may begin to notice that gossip is taking time away from tasks that need to be completed, and the patients who deserve undivided attention. Additionally, if your patients overhear any of this going on, you may begin to lose them.

Discouraging Gossip Among Your Staff

Below are a few ways to help get your staff back on track:

• Expectations – Make sure your office policy manual includes a clear code of conduct. Let your staff know that gossiping and spreading rumors will not be tolerated.
• Take A Stand – Be proactive about discouraging gossip. Hold regular staff meetings to discuss and air out any issues. It’s also a good idea to meet one-on-one with the individual members of your staff on a regular basis.
• Hold Them Accountable – Follow through with the discipline necessary to discourage gossip. There really isn’t a way to completely eliminate rumors, but you can create a culture within your office that will not tolerate it.

Your team should be able to work together successfully in order to provide the very best care and service to your patients. If you’re having problems with your staff, please contact CTC National to speak with a skilled dental consultant.