Chapter 26 Successful Employment Strategies

Getting Off to a Good Start Start to establish professional reputation –Develop habits and relationships for future success

Getting Off to a Good Start Learn about job –Facility –Safety and security rules –How to use equipment –Coworkers –Job description and duties

Typical Components of Job Descriptions Job title Minimum requirements Working conditions/physical requirements Reporting structure Responsibilities, duties, and tasks

Policies and Procedures Policies –Rules for organization Procedures –Steps for performing task May be required by law or for accreditation

Policies and Procedures Published in facility handbooks or manuals Pay particular attention to safety policies –Risk management Patient safety

Question True or False: –It is acceptable to refuse to follow policies that you believe to be unfair or a waste of time.

Answer False Employees should follow all policies –If disagree with one, ask supervisor to explain purpose

Employee Handbook Information specific to employment conditions: –Vacations –Overtime –Holidays –Leaves of absence –Benefits –Conduct

Probationary Period Applies to many jobs First 60 to 90 days Allows employer to see if new employee can perform as needed

Probationary Period Sample areas of evaluation: –Skill level –Ability to follow directions –Willingness to learn –Attendance

Guidelines for Workplace Success Act with integrity –Honestly and morally Demonstrate loyalty to employer –Never complain about employer to patients Observe chain of command –Discuss problems first with own supervisor

Question The chain of command in the workplace refers to ____. A.The order in which tasks must be performed to be safe and effective B.A collection of management policies C.Various levels of responsibility and supervision

Answer C. Various levels of responsibility and supervision Chain of command –Reporting levels of supervisors and managers throughout organization

Question Which of the following employee behaviors best demonstrates the meaning of integrity? A.Always arriving to work on time B.Admitting an error made when placing an order for office supplies C.Helping a coworker who is having a bad day

Answer B. Admitting an error made when placing an order for office supplies All answers demonstrate desirable characteristics Integrity –Honesty, including: Admitting mistakes so they can be corrected

Guidelines for Workplace Success Give full day’s work –Good time management Write daily to-do list Prioritize tasks –Complete most important first Batch similar tasks

Guidelines for Workplace Success Give full day’s work –Good time management Deal efficiently with interruptions Develop time-saving habits Avoid procrastination

Question True or False: –It is acceptable to friends when you are at work as long as you are able to complete all your duties.

Answer False Recommended that employees not use work time to send personal messages

Guidelines for Workplace Success Become part of team, whether whole department or small work group –Keep group goals in mind –Listen actively to others –Be positive and productive

Guidelines for Workplace Success Become part of team, whether whole department or small work group –Contribute ideas –Do own fair share –Give credit to others when due

Question True or False: –When the members of a team have different work styles, this tends to make the team less effective.

Answer False Variety of work styles tends to make teams more productive –Each has something to contribute to getting things done

Question True or False: –If you have a problem with a team member, it is best to discuss the issue in private rather than at a team meeting.

Answer True Personal issues should be discussed in private –Whether with team member, coworker, or supervisor

Go Beyond the Minimum Be enthusiastic Project positive attitude Become problem solver Do more than expected Practice quality control Continue to learn

Characteristics of a Great Employee Compassionate Competent Considerate Cooperative Courteous

Role Models Serve as positive example Qualities: –Dedication to profession –Good technical skills –Respect for others

Role Models Qualities: –High standards –Self-confidence –Integrity

Mentors Coach and advise Have qualities of role model Willing to help professionally –Offer suggestions and advice –Introduce to other professionals –Pass on information –Encourage

Employment Laws Some guarantee access to jobs Some protect health and safety of employees Not all laws apply to all employers and employees

Employment Laws Americans with Disabilities Act –Prevents employment discrimination against qualified applicants who have disabilities –Reasonable accommodations Changes employer can afford Not disruptive to work environment

Question Which of the following is the best example of a reasonable accommodation for an employee who has a disability? A.Supplying a desk chair that has extra back support and a higher-than-average desk B.Allowing an employee to come to work on those days when she has the most energy C.Providing transportation for an employee who has impaired vision and is unable to drive

Answer A. Supplying a desk chair that has extra back support and a higher-than-average desk Supplying modified chair and desk would not be excessively expensive nor disrupt workplace

Employment Laws Civil Rights Act of 1964 –Prevents discrimination in hiring based on race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin Title VII of 1964 Civil Rights Act –Prohibits sexual discrimination

Employment Laws Equal Pay Act of 1963 –Prevents pay discrimination among jobs with same employer that require equal skills, effort, and responsibility

Employment Laws Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 –Allows employees of certain sized organizations up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to meet family needs –Must be given same or equivalent job upon return

Employment Laws Immigration Reform Act –Prohibits employment of people who do not have legal right to work in U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act –Requires employers to provide and maintain safe working conditions

Employment Laws Minimum wage laws –Federal government and most states determine lowest hourly rates employees can be paid –States may require higher than federal law requires But not lower

Grievances Formal complaints about unfair or potentially harmful situations Grievance policies –Series of steps for filing grievance

Grievances Try to resolve problems at lowest level possible before filing –Start with supervisor –Work up chain of command, as necessary

Sexual Harassment Unwelcome actions sexual in nature Can occur in variety of circumstances Examples: –Supervisor repeatedly asks subordinate for date –Coworker makes comments about individual’s body

Question Which of the following actions by a coworker is an example of sexual harassment on the job? A.Tells you that you “look good for your age” B.Compliments you on the dress you are wearing C.Insists on telling dirty jokes that you find offensive

Answer C. Insists on telling dirty jokes that you find offensive Telling dirty jokes listener finds offensive can be considered sexual harassment

Handling Sexual Harassment Speak directly to harasser –Identify objectionable behavior –State that it must stop If behavior continues, report to supervisor

Handling Sexual Harassment If behavior continues, go up chain of command If behavior still continues, file grievance or sexual harassment complaint

Tracking Progress Employees need feedback on performance to grow and improve skills

Tracking Progress Evaluations provide feedback on deficiencies and how to improve –Typically contains numerical ratings, comments, and goals –Good time to ask questions and clarify employer’s expectations

Tracking Progress Typical components on which employees rated: –Accuracy of work –Appearance –Attendance and punctuality –Communication –Cooperation

Tracking Progress Typical components on which employees rated: –Dependability –Initiative –Quality of work –Quantity of work –Safety practices

Moving On Important to leave jobs for right reasons –Before resigning, conduct honest self- assessment Consider whether you are part of problem Consider transfers or promotion options within organization

Moving On Examples of good reasons for leaving: –Wider variety of duties and chances to learn –Better work schedule for family needs –Higher salary and better benefits

Moving On Usually best to obtain new job before leaving current one –If not, create financial plan for job search period

Moving On Be ethical when leaving job –Do not conduct job search on employer’s time –Give adequate notice At least two weeks –Tell supervisor first –Write letter of resignation

Moving On Be ethical when leaving job –Complete all tasks –Offer to train replacement –Avoid burning bridges

If You Are Fired It is never pleasant Remain calm Avoid lashing out in anger If unexpected, ask questions about reason for dismissal Avoid arguing

If You Are Fired Common reasons for dismissal: –Lack of needed skills –Refusal to cooperate –Attendance problems –Breach of patient confidentiality

If You Are Fired Be honest with self –Accept responsibility so you can improve Seek support of friends and family

Professional Development Always strive to improve and be the best at own profession Continually learn Look for opportunities to improve skills

Professional Development Professional growth –Set goals –Join professional organizations –Network –Request additional responsibility –Stay in touch with mentor