Due to the recent staffing challenges, many practices are looking to fill positions and must be creative in their search. There are times when you might consider reaching out to former employees, which can be an excellent idea in some cases. However, you should be cautious. We recommend three questions to ask if you’re considering rehiring a former team member. These will help you determine whether this is the right decision.
Does the team member bring the right skills?
Just because the team member worked in the office previously doesn’t mean they’ll be knowledgeable or skilled enough to meet today’s expectations. Dentistry is rapidly changing with the advances in technology, and some team members may resist learning new skills and as a result, slow down the practice. Carefully assess whether their current skills and experience match the job description and what it will take to get them up to speed. If they’ve demonstrated in the past that they’re excited about learning, they might be a great fit.
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Is this the easiest option?
You may think the rehire doesn’t need much new training, but it’s likely that the current practice culture, vision, and team attitudes are different than when that individual left. We’ve seen practices rehire team members who came in thinking they were queen or king for a day, only to alienate the team, cause conflict, and lead to the loss of other team members. Furthermore, keep in mind that practices, processes, and systems grow and change, and this former team member may need the same amount of time for orientation as a new hire. Be sure that they’re willing to be humble enough to “re-learn” the practice.
Will the rehire stay on long-term?
There was a reason that the team member left the practice before. Have a very honest conversation with the person about what they’re looking for, why this position could be different than their role in the past, and whether it will be fulfilling for them. Talk to them about the practice vision for the coming five years to give them a sense of whether this is the right fit for them, and the right fit for you.
