team morale Archives

Medenta Business Development Manager, Andy Thomas, suggests ways to help boost your team’s morale. As recruitment and retention remain a problem in practices, ensuring your team has a great sense of morale is half the battle. If you want a team that works well together to deliver excellent patient care, then you need to cultivate an environment that keeps your team motivated, engaged and happy. Easier said than done, you may think! Here are some practical suggestions as to how to go about doing this. Show appreciation Recognition is one of your most important tools when it comes to building a happy team. A little of this goes a long way. It could range from something as simple as a “thank you” at the end of a busy day to a more formal employee recognition scheme. When you acknowledge your team’s hard work, you build trust and loyalty. You might like to try introducing “shout-outs” to your team meetings. This is probably better done monthly as, if it’s too frequent, it could lose its impact. You may like to award Team Member of the Month. This could be something voted for by the rest of the team members. Personalised thank-you notes or small tokens of appreciation are also a great way of letting a team member know you value what they do. When people feel that what they do has been recognised and valued, they’re more likely to be motivated to go the extra mile when it’s needed. Prioritise open communication Good communication is the bedrock of a successful team. Ensuring everybody knows what’s going on and what’s expected of them helps ensure things run smoothly. As Olympic basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski said: "Effective teamwork begins and ends with communication.” To make sure everyone has a chance to have their say and is kept in the loop, it’s a good idea to hold regular team huddles. These could be weekly or fortnightly but ideally no less frequently than that to ensure everyone is kept up-to-date. Not everyone is happy to speak in a group so, to maximise your opportunities for feedback and suggestions, why not create anonymous channels? Even in the best of teams there are times when awkward circumstances arise that team members may not feel able to address in public. As a practice leader then it’s important to be approachable. Having an open-door policy (whether that’s physical or metaphorical!) encourages staff to share their thoughts and issues with you. This should be in addition to regular one-to-one check-ins. When team members feel they’ll be listened to, they’re more likely to contribute ideas, raise concerns early and feel invested in the practice’s success. Invest in professional development Nothing kills enthusiasm easier than boredom. If a team member feels they’re stagnating, then morale will suffer. Offering opportunities for growth and development is a great way to show your team that you’re invested in their future. It’s also likely to keep them engaged and happy at work. You could consider offering support with funding relevant CPD and helping to find appropriate courses. Being given the time to attend training events is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to helping your team develop. Events need not always be off site as you could invite trainers into the practice or you could organise lunches-and-learns. Encouraging and supporting team members to pursue special interests such as facial aesthetics, orthodontics, hygiene therapy as well as helping the staff member, can also be of benefit to the practice by enhancing the skill mix. In which case, it’s a win-win! Promote a healthy work-life balance Burnout is a real concern in dentistry. According to a survey published in February 2025 by Dental Protection, 63% of dental professionals said they felt frequently burnt out and exhausted. In the same survey, 18% described their mental wellbeing as “of concern.” Those startling figures paint a picture of people struggling with long hours and physical demands, which can take a toll. Private practices have more flexibility than NHS settings so, use it to your advantage. To help make life easier for your staff, you could try offering flexible working or part-time hours where possible. One of the first things that goes by the wayside when people are busy is breaks. Encourage everyone to take proper lunch breaks and book time off. A rested team is a resilient team. When people feel supported in their personal lives, they’re more engaged professionally. Support mental health Life has many stresses these days and working in dentistry can be emotionally demanding. Show your team that their mental wellbeing is a priority by providing access to mental health resources or counselling. Making sure you have staff trained in mental health first aid (MHFA) is also a great way to support team members who may need signposting to help. Most importantly, foster a culture where it’s okay to say, “I’m not okay.” Creating a psychologically safe workplace is essential for long-term morale and retention. Create a positive physical environment The atmosphere of your practice can affect mood and morale. A clean, well-lit and welcoming space can make a big difference. Make sure your break rooms are comfortable places for staff to sit and catch their breath. For clinical areas add plants, artwork and decorate using calming colours. Ensure equipment is well-maintained and ergonomically sound and that any repairs are carried out swiftly. Having a pleasant and safe work environment can make all the difference to how your team members feel about their job. Encourage team bonding A team that has great relationships with each other will work together better. Provide opportunities for staff to get to know each other away from the work environment. Not everyone wants to socialise outside of work, so think creatively about activities that are inclusive. Organise a social event quarterly. This is frequent enough for people to look forward to it without it impinging too much on the rest of their life. You might want to arrange a meal out, a walk or a craft activity. While some people might enjoy going to the pub it’s good to also have activities that don’t just revolve around alcohol. Celebrate birthdays and milestones in the practice. Any excuse for some cake! It still amazes me how prevalent sweet treats and chocolates are in dental practices. You could also consider establishing weekly treats or themed dress-up days. A team that has fun together works better together. Share the vision People want to feel part of something bigger. Make sure to share your practice’s goals, values and successes with the team. When everyone understands the “why” behind decisions and what they’re doing, they’re more likely to buy in. Consider presenting quarterly updates on practice performance and any plans. Better still, involve the team in shaping new services or initiatives. A shared sense of purpose boosts morale and drives performance. Morale is essential to practice success The rewards from improving staff morale are worth the effort. They can include lower staff turnover, a more enjoyable workplace for everyone and improved patient care. Remember the little gestures and stay consistent, as happy teams build healthy practices.

Simple steps to boosting team morale

Motivating your team

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