When it comes to running a successful dental practice, there’s no shortage of serious matters to focus on – patient care, compliance, staffing, and, of course, hitting those financial targets. But let’s take a moment to talk about something a little different: positivity.
At the Kana Health Group, we’ve discovered that a dose of joy, respect, and good-natured competition can do wonders not just for team morale but for the bottom line, too. Enter: theKana Cup.
What is the Kana Cup?
Imagine if your team meetings had a dash of Hogwarts-style house rivalry, a sprinkling of fun, and a hefty serving of teamwork. That’s the essence of the Kana Cup. Each of our five practices is divided into four ‘houses’ (yes, we went full Harry Potter on this one).
The team members themselves thought of the house names which shows how creative they are! We currently have the flossiphers, OPG (only positive gang), fluoride fairies and the molar bears!
Throughout the quarter, team members earn points for demonstrating one of our core values: positivity and respect. Whether it’s a helping hand to a colleague, going above and beyond for a patient, or receiving a google review with your name there, these moments add up.
At the end of each quarter, our marketing manager swoops in to spin the Kana prize wheel. The house with the most points wins a small reward, which could be anything from lunch on the company to a bowling night or even a sports massage. It’s simple, light-hearted and a touch competitive.
‘Fluffy’ doesn’t mean frivolous
Now, you might be thinking, ‘what does all this fluff have to do with running a successful practice?’ Building a positive and respectful workplace culture has a direct impact on team performance and, ultimately, the success of the business.
Happy teams are productive teams. When people feel appreciated and motivated, they’re more likely to collaborate, support each other, and deliver exceptional patient care. That positivity extends to the patient experience. A happy patient is a loyal patient, and loyal patients are the backbone of any thriving practice.
At the end of the year, we have our Kana Awards ceremony, and by far the biggest trophy is the Kana Cup itself which goes to the winning house with the most points that year. They also get a slightly larger token of our appreciation each.
The key to the success is having team members that are engaged, and we are truly fortunate to have amazing managers with amazing team members who believe in what we are trying to do and have no problems with making it happen.
The hardest part is probably keeping things novel and exciting and we are looking at shaking things up in 2025 to keep the excitement alive.
Positivity in action
We’ve already seen how the Kana Cup has shifted the atmosphere in our practices. Team members are not only more engaged, but also more eager to contribute to the success of their houses. There’s a tangible sense of pride across the group.
And let’s not forget the ripple effect: improved team morale reduces staff turnover and lowers stress levels. All of that translates to a more stable, productive and profitable business.
The Kana Cup might sound like a bit of fun – and it is – but it’s also a reminder that positivity is more than just a buzzword. It’s a core value that, when celebrated and incentivised, can transform a workplace.
So, next time you’re brainstorming ways to boost morale in your practice, consider adding a little friendly competition and a lot of positivity into the mix. Who knows? You might just find that the ‘fluffy stuff’ is exactly what your practice needs to level up.
And for those of you curious, this year’s Kana Cup champions were the Flossiphers, but don’t worry, the next spin on that prize wheel is coming soon…
