The holidays are right around the corner and it’s an exciting and busy time for your practice. While this is the most wonderful time of year, there is a responsibility to your staff and patients to be professional and remember the many different religious beliefs. It is also important to maintain an atmosphere that is fun and enjoyable as well. While holiday greetings and festivities can brighten the mood of patients and make staff feel appreciated, practices must be careful. Follow these suggestions for keeping the office fun and festive while celebrating the holidays at your medical practice.
Party time.
If your practice is going to have a celebration, it’s important to figure out what works best for employees. Should it be an evening out? Should it be a simple potluck? Will families be invited? All these options need to be considered and discussed in detail. How close employees feel with one another and their everyday interactions can determine what kind of party to have. Whatever type of event you end up with, use this as an opportunity to celebrate your team and thank them for a year of hard work.
Charitable activity.
In addition to, or instead of, a party or celebratory meal, practices may want to add a charitable component to the season in an attempt to capture the spirit of the holidays. Use this time to focus on the true meaning of the season, change the mentality of your practice, and create an even tighter workplace bond.
Décor.
Holiday decorations brighten up any workspace and can lift the moods of employees and patients. But keeping décor neutral is the key to making everyone feel welcome. Be sure to partake in seasonal décor, but keep it classy and not overtly religious. While it’s important to have fun and keep in the holiday spirit, remember that your office is a place of business. Your patients may need a dose of cheer but it is imperative to remain professional. If they are sick or treating a traumatic illness, it’s not appropriate for them to be greeted by obnoxiously decked halls.
Gift giving.
The holidays should be a time of celebration, but often they become a time of frustration as visions of gift giving dance through our heads. When it comes to giving within the office, it can be a virtual obstacle course filled with concerns, doubts, and questions. While it can be tricky and stressful, the office gift exchange is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Just be sure to set some boundaries for your staff and follow proper etiquette and your staff can nurture those essential office relationships and keep your workplace merry and bright.
Celebrate diversity.
It’s important to make sure staff and patients do not feel excluded or are forced to participate in holiday events. Diversity should be celebrated along with the holidays so everyone feels comfortable.
It is unreasonable to attempt to please everyone during the season. However, it is important that your medical office is respectful and that your patients and staff are comfortable. Following these guidelines can ensure your staff still has a fun and festive holiday, and your patients feel comfortable and happy. If your medical office participates in holiday celebrations, we would love to hear your tips on our Facebook page!
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