Top Training Tips

This month’s Staff Hiring, Training + Retention column reveals smart training tips to benefit everyone on staff.

Here, more exclusive tips from two optical pros who have integrated staff training into their regular routines.

Jessica Schwager, ABOC, CPOT, of Webb Eyecare

• MODULES: “Existing staff gets a chance at a prize each month for completing the monthly designated module. We also assign some modules based on initiatives to improve certain metrics in our offices.” 

• ATTENDEES: “Existing staff utilize these trainings, along with others that offer CE credits such as Safilo’s CE webinars. We also invest in staff by taking them to conferences and hosting formal trainings in our office. High performers who have a growth mindset with Webb Eyecare get the opportunity to participate in higher level learning programs.”

Diana Canto-Sims, O.D., of Buena Vista Optical

• INTERVIEW: “The initial interview is a Zoom call. If the candidate is a good match, we schedule a ‘behind-the-scenes tour’ and answer any questions. We look at the interview process as a two-way street. Especially the younger generation wants to interview us as a company as well to see if we’re a good match for them.”

• TEMPLATE: “I have a template for mentoring. We ask what challenges the individual has encountered in the past two weeks. We include a description of what it is, how we’re going to provide resources and tools to help the individual perform better, and when we’re going to check in again. Then I document it.”

• SEARCH: “When we need to hire someone, we look for qualities that we see in our top employees. We get a lot of young people who don’t have much experience, but they’re very moldable. Our answer is to offer them a paid apprenticeship.”

• STAFF: “We decide we need someone and share the description with staff. They keep an eye out among patients. We compensate for referrals both when someone is hired and then again if the new hire is still with us in six months.”

• ONGOING: “We include 10 or 15 minutes of hands-on training in our weekly meetings.”