As an allied health therapist, you play a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing essential care and support to patients in a wide range of settings. However, it’s no secret that the demands of our job can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. From managing heavy workloads to dealing with difficult patients, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and burnt out.
If you’re reading this I am sure that burnt out feeling can stick with you as there are tonnes of workplaces that overload their team with back to back patients and little time to enjoy being at work. So often I see practitioners in the industry burn out after a few years and decide private practice is not for them and end up working in insurance or sales. However this does not need to be the case. You ultimately studied so that you could help people and make a difference to their lives, which can be incredibly rewarding!
That’s why it’s crucial for us as therapists to work in an environment that fosters a positive workplace culture. Today I want to show you the clear indicators and things you should review both in your current workplace and in any future workplaces you may be considering.
1. Knowing the team has your back
Have you ever been thrown under the bus? Not a good feeling at all. Actions speak much louder than words with colleagues and this is the biggest red flag of poor culture. So often we hire staff who have been burnt by previous employers. The key to a good workplace culture is trust in your team including your boss.
We all make mistakes. This is normal. However in a good culture this is purely an opportunity for growth and development. These are tools to be used to turn you into a weapon at your job. Some people don’t see it this way, they always have their own agenda and ego to stroke. Ultimately team comes first. This is best seen when someone absorbs the blame for you and gently lets you know so that you can either reflect on this or schedule a training to develop from this.
Can you think of a time someone at work has had your back?
2. Challenging team events
Hands up if the only team event you have is the staff Christmas party at a sub par local bar with minimal thought and effort put in. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. This is no secret. Continuing the daily grind at work without experiencing new and exciting adventures with your team mates is a great way to become stale. The deepest connections are formed with those you share challenges with.
If you aren’t having regular team get togethers and trying new experiences you are just going through the motions. Career growth doesn’t just happen with developing skills but also with developing relationships and emotional maturity.
3. Vulnerability
Have you ever come into work and your boss has been an absolute twat for no reason and made you feel insignificant? It’s not fair when someone takes their BS out on you. Yes, running a business is hard but that’s no excuse for being a dick.
A good workplace communicates open and honestly. Sometimes we have bad days and in allied health we generally work in close quarters with each other. If someone can’t let you know they are having a bad day, slept badly are stressed about XYZ then you ultimately start guessing what’s wrong. Over time this develops into resentment and if it continues it creates a rift in the workplace.
A workplace with a good culture fosters being open, honest and vulnerable. We aren’t all stoic all the time and that’s ok. Sometimes people just need help but if they aren’t willing to ask for it, it generally ends in disaster.
4. Shared Values
We are who we spend the most time with. Many of us have heard this term before and if you spend 38 hours at work each week you’re certainly spending a great deal of time with your colleagues. Shared values are essential in creating a cohesive workplace where people get along. Many companies panic hire to fill void positions which can disrupt this system. Do you work in a sports clinic but some people couldn’t care less about their health and fitness? Or do you have a colleague who doesn’t care about the patient and just wants to keep them to themselves so they look like a big dog with high patient numbers and won’t comanage to get best results?
Ultimately you want to work with a team you connect with as that’s going to get best patient results as well as make you look forward to coming to work each day.
5. Career Pathways
One aspect of allied health can be that you feel stagnant. Once you’ve got the skills and are crushing patient goals then what? Do you have to quit and start your own practice? Do you just keep doing the same thing forever?
A company should have a clear line of growth for you. Once you meet these KPI’s your options are XYZ. Then from there you may have an opportunity to buy in. Or you may be happy with just treating – then what are your options with that?
These are all things you should consider when working at a new space. What is the longevity of the role. Is this just another stepping stone? If people don’t see a future in a workplace then their foot is already half out the door.
6. Work Life Balance
Ever had a 6:30am text from the boss on your day off. It’s a great way to ruin your mindset and set yourself up for failure for your recovery day and yes a day off is for recovery. Allied health is hard work and we need our time to reset!
A clinic needs clear boundaries, where they are not impacting your time outside of work. They also need to be understanding of your personal time. Accept when you are sick and encourage you to take leave when you haven’t taken any in a while. Sometimes we get so bogged down in helping others we don’t help ourselves! Knowing that your team and boss care about your health and happiness is a vital part of maintaining a good work life balance.
Conclusion
Working as an allied health therapist can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. However, a positive workplace culture can help mitigate these challenges and foster a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in one’s work.
Key indicators of a good workplace culture include a team that has each others back, challenging team events, an environment that fosters vulnerability, shared values, clear career pathways, and a work-life balance that respects personal time.
By assessing these indicators in your current or future workplaces, you can find a place that supports your personal and professional growth and ensures a rewarding career in allied health.
Interested In Joining The Elite HP Team?
If you’re ready to work in a supportive environment that truly values your work-life balance and professional growth, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us today to explore career opportunities where your well-being and success are our top priorities. Let’s build a rewarding future together!