Careers in healthcare can be very rewarding, but anyone who works in healthcare knows that they can also be stressful and demanding. Conflicts are bound to arise in any workplace environment, but when it comes to hospitals and other medical facilities, conflicts can cause distractions that lead to costly litigations. In order to maximize productivity and protect patients, healthcare leaders must establish conflict management techniques so that disputes can be efficiently resolved as they arise.
Code of Conduct
One of the best ways healthcare institutions can effectively prevent conflicts is by creating an official code of conduct. Establishing a distinct chain of command, and basic rules that everyone is required to follow, can help stabilize a working environment and ensure that employees feel more secure in their responsibilities and job expectations. Clear rules can also eliminate confusion, and help bridge any communication gaps anyone may be experiencing, which is often one of the biggest concerns between employees and their superiors. By facilitating a more open and understanding working environment, and enforcing previously outlined conflict management tactics, healthcare providers can operate more effectively and provide significantly better care to patients. Having a code of conduct also allows employees to comprehend and acknowledge the consequences of behaviors that go against hospital policies to ensure that no mistakes can be blamed on lack of understanding.
Emotional Intelligence
Another useful tool for conflict management is choosing to try and understand each employee’s unique perspective as well as their motivations. It can be easy to forget that there are two sides to every situation, even in a hospital setting. Is your employee unreasonably upset because they didn’t get a requested day off, or are they upset because one of the managers in charge has denied their last five desperate requests? Understanding that conflicts are more than just costly distractions can help employers solve the root causes of most disagreements in order to prevent prolonged resentment and continued lapses in professionalism, productivity, and more. Choosing to rely on emotional intelligence to establish viable conflict management practices in healthcare environments can help create stronger bonds and relationships between staff members as well as inspire greater loyalty.
Conflict management is about more than just optimizing a workplace; it’s about keeping employees safe and satisfied so that everyone reaps the rewards. Having rules and clear expectations will result in happier employees, which means that hospitals spend less time and money on recruiting and training new staff. Retained staff will be able to grow and thrive in their careers, becoming more adept and experienced in providing exceptional patient care, which allows hospitals to save even more on related expenses.
Call 629.777.8989 or fill in the free consultation form in the sidebar to learn more about how our software can positively impact the lives of the patients and visitors you service every day.