While some practices wind down over the holidays, others power through the festive season – handling increased demand, last-minute appointments and complex patient needs before the break. If your team is running full throttle in December, here are five ways to support their wellbeing and keep spirits high.

1. Acknowledge the effort

Start with a simple thank you. Let your team know their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, whether it’s a shout-out in a morning huddle or a personalised card left at reception. Recognition is powerful – and free!

2. Build in small breaks

Even five minutes away from the chair can make a difference. Encourage short breaks where possible and create a quiet spot where staff can relax between patients (with snacks or a treat).

3. Keep communication flowing

Busy days can lead to missed messages and mounting stress. Prioritise quick check-ins so everyone’s on the same page. If something needs to shift in the schedule, having open lines of communication will make it smoother for all.

4. Celebrate small wins

Did someone get glowing patient feedback? Did the team make it through a jam-packed day? Celebrate it! Put up a win board, share a laugh over lunch, or run a light-hearted end-of-year countdown in the break room.

5. Bring in some festive fun

A few little touches can make the difference. Think holiday playlists, themed scrubs, or a team lunch delivery. These don’t need to be over-the-top to lift the mood – just something that makes the long days feel a little brighter.

You might be sprinting to the end of the year, but that doesn’t mean your team has to run on empty. With a bit of planning and a lot of appreciation, you can power through the festive rush while keeping morale high and burnout low.

Got a tried-and-tested way to keep your team energised during the end-of-year chaos? Drop us a line at info@growcommunity.com.au - we’d love to share your tips with our members.

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