Recruiting top talent looks very different today than it did a decade ago. Job postings and referrals once did most of the work. Now, the first impression you make happens online—and it can be the deciding factor for your candidate.

Your Online Reputation Attracts Top Talent

Real-world hiring experiences continue to show how much a practice’s online reputation can influence a candidate’s decision. In one instance, a highly qualified applicant was deciding between two practices offering the same position, but different compensation. Before making a decision, the candidate compared both practices on Google.

The difference between the two practices became clear. The practice who offered the higher salary had a low Google rating, an overwhelming amount of negative reviews, and not one was addressed by the practice. The other practice was top rated on Google with hundreds of 5-star reviews, and thoughtful responses to all patient feedback.

The candidate chose the practice with the stronger online reputation, saying the reviews reflected how patients were treated and how the team cared about their work. The culture was something the candidate wanted to be a part of, and that mattered more than a higher paycheck.

Best Practices for Retaining Top Talent

Recognizing and celebrating team success is one of the most effective ways to build engagement and morale. Department and all-staff meetings are perfect opportunities to highlight what’s working well, such as meeting patient satisfaction goals, improving response times, or earning positive feedback online. Regularly sharing these wins reinforces the teamwork and behaviors that drive great results.

Recognition should also happen on both an informal and formal level. Informal recognition might include a quick thank-you during morning huddles or acknowledging someone’s effort in a team message. Formal recognition programs, such as an Employee Spotlight, allow practices to publicly showcase individuals who consistently go above and beyond. This not only boosts motivation, but also sets a clear example of excellence for others to follow.

Finally, celebrating milestones such as one-year, five-year, and ten-year anniversaries show long-term appreciation for employee commitment. Whether through small celebrations, personal notes, or team acknowledgments, these moments foster belonging and reinforce why employees choose to stay.

Pro Tip: Share positive online reviews with your team regularly, especially those that recognize staff members by name. When employees see how their efforts directly impact patient satisfaction and your online reputation, it reinforces the quality of care you deliver and strengthens employee retention.

Conclusion

Potential employees find practices the same way potential patients do—by looking on Google and reading reviews. Ensure that your Google reputation reflects the quality of care you deliver to attract top talent.

Retaining top talent starts with building a culture of recognition and appreciation. When team members feel valued for their contributions, whether through public recognition, informal praise, or celebrating milestones, they are more motivated to stay and continue delivering exceptional care.