Are certain staff members destroying your team morale? Does this low morale still exist even when you get rid of them? If so, your practice is suffering from a dismorale virus that this management pearl can help vaccinate you against it.
A practice is made up of its doctors and staff, who act as a team for the good of the patients and practice. But, you need to be aware that sometimes certain individuals are out for themselves to the detriment of the team, practice and patients.
There are numerous symptoms, as there are certain cures, of this virus that you should be aware of that are provided in the attached PDF. Also attached is a “Disciplinary/Warning and Action Log”, “Notice of Voluntary Termination of Employment” and “Employee Exit Interview Questionnaire” that you might find helpful for avoiding or eradicating this virus. You must keep this disciplinary file on them by documenting their offences and having them sign it (or not, and indicating so) before firing them.
Something else you should be aware of: when ANY team member is terminated, they MUST be given a check for all that is due them on their last day of work. Not doing so may leave you open to law suits and strong penalties. Also helpful: if giving them extra severance pay, give it to them one week at a time after their last day, as long as they don’t badmouth the practice (cooling off period).
