Fewer than 19% of WO respondents expect to close on the week between Christmas and New Year’s in 2023. Nearly 35% said they would maintain regular office hours, while 26% said they would add hours and capabilities. Nearly 19% said they would reduce hours.
About 37% of respondents said that if they’ll be open, it’s going to be difficult for any staff members to take time off. “We require our opticians to work that week as it is usually very busy,” one respondent said. “All other staff can request time off.”
Another respondent said, “We have a blackout period for request for time off during the last week of the year. This is our busiest week of the year and we need all hands on deck to meet the needs of our patients.”
Several respondents noted that it is usually the busiest week of the year.
STAFF APPRECIATION
Some respondents said that this busy season requires a lot of staff, and in turn, doctors and office managers want to show their appreciation to the employees. One respondent said, “Business is important and taking care of patients is the main importance, but taking care of your staff will go along way in taking care of you in the future.” Another said, “We have always closed the three days around Christmas with pay; Eve, day and day after. Our staff is very important to us and have been with us for a while. We appreciate what they do for the office and we understand that family and holidays are important to them.”
Most respondents (67%) were female ODs and 19% were male ODs. Another 12% were non-OD females and another were 2% were non-OD males.
Lisa M. Greene, OD, recently talked with WO about being “fully onboard” with taking time off during the holidays. Read her story here.
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Featured photo credit: Getty Images, nadia_bormotova
