When we talk about improving productivity in a podiatry practice, the conversation often focuses on patient volume, scheduling, collections, and revenue. But one of the most important factors influencing productivity is something we don’t always measure: How well does your team work together, and how effectively do employees use their time?
A productive practice isn’t necessarily one where everyone is constantly busy. It’s one where employees recognize what needs to be done, take initiative, and understand that their responsibilities extend beyond their individual job descriptions.
Consider these everyday situations:
- A lull in the schedule: Does your staff use downtime to restock treatment rooms, prepare supplies, follow up on outstanding tasks, or organize work areas? Or do they wait until someone tells them what to do?
- A coworker falling behind: When one medical assistant is overwhelmed with patients while another has finished their assigned responsibilities, does the available employee offer to help? Or is the attitude, “That’s not my job”?
- A patient needing assistance: If an employee notices a patient waiting, looking confused, struggling to walk, or needing attention, do they step in to help, even if that patient isn’t technically their responsibility?
- An opportunity to improve workflow: When an employee notices something that could be done more efficiently, do they suggest a solution or simply continue doing things the same way?
The Difference Between Being Busy and Being Productive
Employees can be busy all day without necessarily contributing to the overall efficiency of the practice.
True productivity requires awareness, accountability, initiative, and teamwork.
Every employee should understand that their actions—or lack of action—can affect the entire patient experience and the practice’s bottom line.
Five Ways to Build a More Productive Team
1. Establish downtime expectations. Create a list of productive tasks employees can complete when their primary responsibilities are caught up. Downtime should be an opportunity to get ahead, not simply wait for the next patient.
2. Encourage cross-training and collaboration. Employees who understand how other positions function are better equipped to recognize when assistance is needed and provide appropriate support.
3. Promote a “see something, do something” mentality. Whether it’s an empty supply cabinet, a backed-up treatment room, or a patient who needs help, encourage employees to take appropriate action rather than assume someone else will handle it.
4. Lead by example. Physicians and managers should demonstrate the same teamwork, accountability, and willingness to help that they expect from their employees.
5. Recognize initiative. Acknowledge employees who consistently anticipate needs, help their coworkers, and identify ways to improve efficiency. These behaviors should be encouraged and celebrated.
A Question Worth Asking at Your Next Staff Meeting
“If you finish your assigned work and have ten minutes before your next patient, what could you do to make someone else’s job easier or improve the patient’s experience?”
The answers may reveal opportunities to improve workflow, communication, and accountability.
The Bottom Line
Improving productivity doesn’t always require adding patients, extending office hours, or hiring additional employees. Sometimes, the greatest opportunity is making better use of the people and resources you already have.
The most valuable team members aren’t necessarily those who do only what they’re asked. They’re the ones who recognize what needs to be done—and take the initiative to do it.
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