Retaining Staff | S7 Ep38

Keeping great employees starts with more than competitive pay—it requires communication, clear expectations, and a workplace where people feel valued. Employee retention is essential to maintaining a productive, efficient, and successful plastic surgery practice. From strengthening onboarding and workplace culture to recognizing leadership potential, thoughtful management strategies can reduce turnover, improve team performance, and support long-term practice growth. Dr. Ash Patel is joined by Sandy Roos, a practice development consultant with more than 19 years of experience, to discuss strategies for retaining and developing staff in plastic surgery practices. Drawing on her work with practices across the country, Roos shares insights on employee engagement, communication, performance expectations, and the challenges of managing remote and in-office teams. The conversation also examines common causes of turnover, identifying future leaders, and aligning staffing decisions with long-term practice goals. Topics Discussed Common causes of employee turnover Building a positive and supportive workplace culture Setting clear expectations during hiring and onboarding Strengthening communication and employee engagement Managing remote and in-office staff Employee incentives, recognition, and retention Addressing performance concerns and difficult staffing decisions Identifying leadership potential and planning for practice growth Key Takeaways Communication is central to retention. Regular feedback, clear expectations, and open dialogue help employees feel informed, supported, and connected to the practice. Effective onboarding prevents avoidable turnover. Structured training and clearly defined responsibilities help new employees adapt and succeed. Workplace culture influences employee satisfaction. Addressing disruptive behaviors and maintaining a supportive environment can improve team stability. Recognize leadership potential beyond tenure. Employees who demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and the ability to delegate may be well suited for greater responsibility. Align staffing with long-term goals. Evaluating practice performance, future capacity, and evolving roles supports sustainable growth and employee development. About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.