Arkansas: Best Places to Work

Introduction

Recipient of both a 2003 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award from the Arkansas Psychological Association and a 2004 Best Practices Honors from the American Psychological Association, Dr. Deems has distinguished himself from all other dentists in the United States by being the only dentist recipient of these honors.

Dr. Deems graduated from the University of Arkansas with honors and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas, where he also earned the top award for Outstanding Clinical Excellence in General Dentistry, the Munksgaard Geriatric Dentistry Award, and was on the Dean's List. He began private practice in 1987 in Little Rock, AR. He has received numerous professional awards and honors from several national dental organizations, and he is a consultant to the American Dental Association Council on Dental Practice and Dentist Well-Being Advisory Committee. He has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Leaders in Continuing Education for the past three years by Dentistry Today magazine, a professional dental journal. He is also a published author for several professional dental publications.

A professionally trained personal and business coach, Dr. Deems is known for his authenticity and warmth, and his ability to speak to dentists and their teams. One of the few dentists nationwide to share the distinction of being both a professional coach and a practicing dentist, he coaches dentists and other solo professionals towards personal fulfillment, balance, and success in their personal and professional lives. Dr. Deems presents keynote addresses, workshops, and lectures of interest to a variety of groups and organizations.

His journey into developing a healthy workplace came out of his utter failure at having one in the first place. Without a specific guide or mentor, Dr. Deems began reading books, developing a vision for his practice, and working with various coaches and consultants to improve job performance, satisfaction, and productivity. Along the way, his professional journey led him into his never-ending journey of personal growth and development, something he shares with each team member.

Below are listed some of the ways in which Dr. Deems’ office operates in the areas that the American Psychological Association and the Arkansas Psychological Association consider to be essential to having a healthy workplace.

Employee Involvement

At Dr. Deems’ office, all staff members know one thing: they have authority to act on any situation as best they see fit, and resolve the situation as they deem best. Without fail, they have absolute support in responding as best they see fit, without fear of reprimand or ridicule. Additionally, an “open door” policy promotes participation, trust, awareness, and communication between staff members and the owner. Staff members feel a part of the organization by not being “kept in the dark”; there is a true sense of partnership that staff members develop with Dr. Deems.

With a heavy emphasis on relationships – relationships with each other, relationships with our clients – much attention is placed on defining and refining skills as relaters. One result is the desire each team member has to enhance, further, and develop healthy, solid relationships with each other that can weather any storm. Trust is truly the immune system of a business.

All staff members actively participate in daily and monthly reviews and planning processes. On a daily basis, a morning huddle is led by a staff member on a revolving basis. Each staff member has a clear picture of what and how events will happen that day, and how to handle unexpected urgencies. Input is anticipated from each staff member to make the day run smooth, both for the team and for the clients.

Monthly professional development and planning meetings also allow ample time for communication with each other, from troubleshooting any problems, brainstorming new ideas, promoting better and deeper communication, or learn new information, techniques, and skills. Each staff member has the opportunity to lead a monthly meeting, which is a great opportunity to learn to plan and lead meetings, and to provide valuable input into the meeting process. Staff members find that the communication skills learned and practiced at these meetings is invaluable in their personal lives and in improving their effectiveness in their work. Annually, goal setting and planning, and review of last year’s goals and accomplishments are completed, with the staff taking the lead on setting goals and plans for the coming year

Staff members actively participate in planning celebrations and special events, seminars, community service, and business promotion. Staff members choose their level of participation in all events unrelated to job requirements. Their ideas, talents, and skills are utilized as their level of interest dictates.

Annual Performance Evaluations and semi-annual Growth Conferences are completed annually with Dr. Deems following a pre-defined format to allow the staff member to identify those areas of they would like to grow, receive feedback, and chart their learning and leadership opportunities. These meetings are not corrective, but rather proactively future-focused. Also, an annual staff member Compensation Review is held in private with each staff member, during which all the components of their compensation and benefits are reviewed. Pay raises and future pay increases are also addressed at this time.

Health and Safety

Annually, an outside OSHA consultant is hired to review every aspect of our practice for staff member safety. We then meet with that consultant to discuss, identify, and resolve any discrepancies from achieving the highest level of safety in our practice, or to implement new standards. Staff members are strongly urged to identify any and all needs for their safety and protection, and they are supported by the Practice purchasing or training them to satisfy those needs.

Semi-annually, emergency preparedness exercises are conducted to train and review the protocol and procedures for handling emergencies in the office. This gives great piece of mind to the staff members should they have a medical emergency as well as providing essential training for the safety of the clients. An OSHA Safety Officer, who is a staff member of the practice, ensures we are following the protocols outlined by OSHA and the CDC. We provide Hepatitis B vaccinations and TB testing free of charge to all team members. A complete bi-annual CPR certification, along with protective clothing, first aid supplies, and other emergency equipment is paid for by the Practice.

Because Dr. Deems meets regularly in private with each staff member, personal problems can be addressed as the staff member cares to share, and referrals to appropriate health care providers can be made. Personal problems affecting work performance are addressed privately with the staff member, as needed, in a professional and caring manner. Anything in life is resolvable with the right conversation.

Employee Growth and Development

Holding a staff member back from discovering who they are, what they would like to learn, investigating career opportunities, and developing and their interests and talents is counter-productive to the success of any business. By supporting each staff member in their endeavors, they partner with the Practice. If their life is moving them elsewhere, a smooth transition can be experienced by all, resulting in fewer struggles, conflict, and lost productivity. The net result: staff member stay because they want to, not because they have to.

The team chooses how they would like for us to participate in community service projects. In the past, we have been heavily involved with Centers for Youth and Families, Dorcas House, Special Olympics, and others. These contributions add to their sense of self-esteem, contribution to the community, and boost pride in belonging to an organization that cares enough to make it a priority to contribute to the community.

Unusual for many businesses, the opportunity for personal life coaching is been made available to all staff members. As a professional personal and business coach, Dr. Deems is available for coaching for any topic a staff member may choose to explore.

A key element of a health workplace is a workplace environment that is clean, professional, uncluttered, and properly equipped with necessary tools and supplies to “get the job done”. Tastefully decorations, soothing music, aromatherapy, calming colors, and comfortable, ergonomically designed furnishing and equipment make work easy on the body and soul. Amenities such as a foot massager, warm, moist, fresh cotton towels, hot and cold beverages, warm blankets – even teddy bears for those who want some fun comfort! – are available to clients and staff members alike. A free high speed internet connection and computer is available in the reception area for those wishing to check email, do some research, or just pass some time waiting for a loved one to receive treatment. A private telephone is also available for those who need to make a call while at our office. Staff members enjoy well-equipped, private workspaces, including their own telephone and private voice and email technology, and a computer equipped with high speed internet access. Staff members even enjoy a 30 minutes relaxation period each day where the lights are dimmed and they are lead on a guided imagery to reduce stress and promote relaxation and health in their life, through the use of various CDs. Staff members are also given the opportunity for nutritional counseling by experts and reimbursement of health club dues.

“Lunch-n-Learn” programs are presented throughout the year where Dr. Deems presents topics of interest by the staff members. These can include technical information, but most of the time focuses on interpersonal and communication skills development. And, during Monday morning huddles, we also share our “Weekly Compass” following the Steven Covey model … plans that are both personal and professional for the coming week, so we know how we can best support each other in achieving these goals.

Work-Life Balance

Childcare and eldercare is a fact of life these days. Because our practice would be considered a small business, time away from work can be a real problem, as each staff member’s participation in the day’s proceedings is critical. However, we encourage activities that support the family unit and emotional health. All in all, because a balance between work and home is emphasized, all staff members feel especially supported and cared for when it comes to handling family members issues.

Staff members are given ample paid time off and encouraged to use it annually. Work days are planned well over 6 months in advance, which allows staff members to plan time for personal and family use. Staff members and their family are also given free dental care as a part of their benefit package.

Despite economic hardships sustained by the Practice that can be caused by staff member absenteeism, the Practice has unfailingly supported staff member time off for personal or family illness and other matters. Staff members feel safe and supported during any unexpected time off. The result: staff members feel good about where they work, as they know they will get the support they need. Additionally for the Practice, staff members return to work more quickly. Additionally, Dr. Deems has personally responded to family needs in time of crisis. This also supports the staff member’s good feelings about being part of the practice.

Employee Recognition

Each staff member is bolstered by the unfailing knowledge that they have the ability and capacity to perform their job at a ‘10’ AND that they will be 100% supported in their efforts – or they wouldn’t have been hired! Not only do they have the confidence they are very good at what they do, they are also encouraged in a positive way to do their best.

Accountability to themselves and to each other in our work has provided tremendous value for personal growth and development. All team members participate in a monthly process of assessing “Great Performance” for their particular position, utilizing feedback surveys from each staff member, clients, and Dr. Deems. Each team member works with Dr. Deems to develop their own assessments and “great performance” and is rewarded monetarily on a monthly basis for attainment of their goals that are above and beyond what is expected for their position.

Celebrations are a key component of the work experience at Dr. Deems’ office. Whether it’s a impromptu or planned celebration, recognizing the efforts of all team members, both privately and with the entire team, builds staff member confidence, self-esteem, and trust. Staff members have enjoyed such activities as catered parties, a day on the lake, extra time off, trips to vacation resorts, and others.

A Practice Newsletter has been published for our clients for the past 20 years. In it are included stories about staff member accomplishments and news. This increases the staff member’s sense of belonging and pride to the Practice. Thank you notes, cards, and letters that we receive from our clients are shared with all team members. Special efforts and caring actions acknowledged in the notes are brought to the attention of team members.

Summary

There are many things that go into creating a healthy and successful workplace. Distilling these items into one or two topics would be daunting! We are happy to share some of our experiences, activities, protocols, and practices that have made us one of the outstanding places to work.

For those looking to create their own healthy workplace, there is a plethora of information available in the form of self-help books, consultants, training, coaches, mentors, and psychologists, including those associated with the Arkansas Psychological Association.

For those who are looking to work in the “best places to work”, you will definitely find any business that has at least taken part in the application process to have an interest in and are likely committed to developing a healthy workplace.