A mission for all dental facilities is to provide excellent patient care, and integrating virtual administrators can help fulfill this mission. It’s easy to feel bogged down with a schedule packed with many things to do. When tasks pile up and start to feel overwhelming, the risk of failure to provide the best patient care can also increase. Incorporating a virtual administrator on your team can help alleviate some pressure from daily tasks minus constant interruptions inherent in busy office spaces. Here are five ways that hiring virtual administrators can improve your dental practice.
1. Increase Productivity
With modern comforts beckoning attention and family distractions, some employers may predict a plunge in productivity in work-from-home (WFH) environments. Yet the opposite is true. In a study published by the Quarterly Journal of Economics, researchers reported that WFH yields a 13% performance increase. Furthermore, these workers had:
- Increased efficiency: 9% was from working more minutes per shift (due to fewer breaks and sick days)
- More effective customer communication: 4% was from more calls (attributed to a quieter, more convenient work environment)
2. Retain Team Members
Last year, millions of workers quit their jobs, which is why 2021 was coined the “Great Resignation.” Many job seekers are interested in more flexibility in today’s job market. For this reason, WFH positions are in high demand.
In the previously mentioned study, researchers also discovered that virtual employment dropped employee-quit rates by 50%. Also, the WFH control group self-reported more workplace satisfaction and a more positive attitude. From an administrator’s point of view, there are many benefits from working virtually:
- Better work-life balance
- Save time and money
- Reduce stress
Consequently, it’s no surprise that the WFH environments can contribute to halved attrition rates.
3. Widen the Candidate Pool
A significant benefit of hiring a virtual administrator is that employers are not limited to local talent. At Dental Practice Enhancement, our virtual administrators can be employed throughout the United States are highly experienced in:
- Overseeing financial duties
- Reading dental charts
- Performing administrative functions
4. Lower Overhead Costs
When companies don’t have to pay for office space and supplies, the savings can add up. Global Workplace Analytics estimates that employers can save an average of $11,000 per year for each halftime remote worker. Additionally, virtual employees can save on commuting expenses, meals, and more. This sounds like a win for everyone’s wallet!
5. Avoid Uncomfortable Workplace Dynamics
A positive, collaborative environment transpires when healthcare teams harmonize in perfect unison. In contrast, conflicts, energy shifts, and workplace stress are bound to arise when personalities clash. Likewise, strains in the workplace are linked to low employee engagement. Mental Health America estimates that disengaged workers contribute to $450-500 billion a year in losses in productivity.
Having an administrator who works independently from a remote location allows the administrator to be an impactful team member. Instead of learning how to merge with different office personalities, virtual administrators can provide seamless, patient-centered care.
Final Thoughts on Hiring Virtual Administrators
Even though some may feel intimidated by the novelty of work-from-home environments, it’s clear that the benefits of having virtual administrators on your team can far outweigh the cons. Are you interested in hiring a virtual administrator from Dental Practice Enhancement? Learn more about our services by calling (833) DPE – FOR – U or filling out a form online.
