4 Things You Should Be Doing in Your Pharmacy

Pharmacy school taught you everything you needed to know about becoming a successful pharmacist. But when you opened your own pharmacy, you realized there was one thing missing– the training needed for successful operation of your business. Running a pharmacy is  more than just implementing new programs, filling prescriptions, and selling non-prescription items. From your pharmacy culture to the goals you create, everything you do internally can positively or negatively impact your bottom line.

Are you wondering what internal programs and processes will ensure that you run a successful pharmacy? Here are four things that you should be doing:

Setting Goals

Setting goals is an essential part of running a successful business. Goals allow you to see where you are and where you need  to go. They provide an action plan to move from point A to point B, keeping you and your team accountable along the way. By setting goals for your pharmacy, you can track progress and measure success.

Given all the benefits of goal setting, you can’t afford to not be setting goals in your pharmacy. Failing to set goals isn’t just a detriment to your pharmacy, it’s also a disservice to your team. Goals are the most effective way to ensure that your team is on board with your  pharmacy vision and everyone is moving in the right direction.

Employee Performance Reviews

Employee performance reviews may seem like a waste of time, but when done correctly, they can (and will) make your pharmacy a better place for you, your team, and your customers. Reviews allow you to give employees direct feedback on what they’re doing well, as well as,  what needs improvement. It’s important that you hold employee performance reviews at least annually, and ideally quarterly. This will allow you to promptly address issues  and coach your employees to improve their performance before things get out of hand or become a bigger issue.

Performance reviews aren’t just for your employees. They can also give you a better idea of how you can improve. Reviews should be a two-way conversation between you and your employees. During reviews, give your employees the opportunity to let you know how you can improve as a manager. Their suggestions can give you a sense of how you can help them reach their full potential.

Training Your Employees

Employee training should be seen as an investment rather than an expense. When you invest in your team, you’re investing in making your pharmacy a better place for your customers. Training comes in many different forms including; leadership conferences, management courses, webinars, certification classes, and seminars. Investing in training for your employees will show your team that you value them and that you’re dedicated to making sure they have everything they need to successfully do their job.

Employee Appreciation Program

Your staff works day in and day out to fill prescriptions,  sell merchandise and serve your customers. It’s your team that builds valuable relationships with your patients and keeps them coming back time and time again. When was the last time you rewarded your team for all that they do?

Creating a pharmacy culture where your employees feel valued starts with you. There are countless ways to do this, but setting up an employee appreciation program is a great start. Appreciation programs reward your employees for their hard work, recognize when they go above and beyond, and put a spotlight on positive behaviors that you value. Recognition and incentive programs help increase productivity, boost employee morale, and encourage excellent work.

Do you want to learn more about how to implement new programs in your pharmacy but don’t know where to start? Download our free eBook, The Pharmacy Owner’s Guide to an Exceptionally Effective Implementation