Discouraging Office Gossip in Your Dental Practice

Gossiping in the office is a growing problem for many businesses. It’s not uncommon for employees to spread rumors not only about each other, but also about the patients you see regularly. This problem is more prevalent in dental practices where employees feel like they’re out of the loop. This is why it’s important to make sure the lines of communication are always open! 

Gossip in the Workplace 

A lack of communication and accountability can result in backbiting and gossip among your employees. They might begin to turn on one another, especially if they think that the other employees do not have accountability. If comments and judgements about a staff member arise, your practice’s image can be damaged. Especially if this gossip occurs in front of your dental patients. 

Preventing Office Gossip 

Below are a few ways to prevent gossip or get your staff back together after a conflict: 

• Don’t Indulge Gossipers – Encourage your employees against engaging in rumors and gossip. If they’re confronted with these conversations, let them know that they can simply say they’re not comfortable with rumors. 
• Put Expectations in Writing – The office policy manual in your dental office should include a page for a code of conduct. Your code of conduct should include areas like ethics, appropriate office behavior, and the individual responsibilities of each staff member. Make sure your manual states clearly that rumors and gossip won’t be tolerated in the workplace. 
• Encourage Staff to Speak Up – Lastly, let your staff know that you expect them to stand up against office gossip and to hold each other accountable. Make sure your staff knows that they can come to you if they know that others are spreading rumors and gossip. 

It’s important that your staff is able to work together to provide the best possible care for your patients. For more tips on creating a successful dental practice or if you have questions about dental transitions, buying a dental practice and acquisitions, please contact CTC Associates today, your dental practice transition consultants.