Your independent pharmacy thrives on personal relationships with both your patients and your team. Unlike the large chains, your staff is small. Therefore, every pharmacist, technician, and clerk has a critical role.
When your pharmacy employees feel supported there’s less turnover, morale improves, and the quality of patient care rises. On the other hand, dissatisfaction or burnout in your pharmacy can ripple quickly into gaps in service and financial strain.
Schedule regular check-ins with your technicians to see how things are going. It doesn’t have to be formal or long. A quick conversation can shine a light on the wins and address challenges they’ve had.
Here are some practical ways you can support your employees:
Prioritize Work-Life Balance and Well-Being
- You can offer flexible scheduling when possible, especially for technicians who are balancing family or school (or both).
- Help your staff avoid burnout by encouraging them to take breaks and use vacation time.
- Consider cross-training your employees so when someone can’t come into work, coverage is easier.
Give Fair Compensation and Benefits
- Stay on top of wages regularly to stay competitive with local chains.
- Provide health insurance, retirement contributions, or wellness stipends if feasible.
- Don’t forget small perks like free flu shots, staff discounts, or snacks. These show your employees that you are appreciative.
Offer Professional Growth Opportunities
- Support their continuing education credits and certifications.
- Check in regularly to provide feedback and listen to employee concerns.
Empower Through Communication
- Arrange short weekly meetings to share updates and invite input.
- Be transparent about business challenges so employees feel like partners rather than just workers.
- Encourage open-door policies so staff can bring up issues without fear.
Support Mental and Emotional Well-Being
- Remember how high stress pharmacy can be, especially with staffing shortages.
- Give access to employee assistance programs (EAPs) if possible.
- Normalize conversations about stress management and resilience.
Recognize Their Hard Work
- Acknowledge your staff regularly for their efforts. Doing so can boost morale, increase job satisfaction, and make employees feel appreciated.
- A simple “thank you” for handling a difficult situation or a quick note highlighting a job well done can go a long way.
- Celebrate bigger milestones, such as work anniversaries or reaching a significant goal. Give them a small gift or a heartfelt card.
Foster Their Potential
- When your pharmacy staff see opportunities for growth and development, they’ll feel committed to their roles.
- Offer training sessions, encourage certifications, or provide resources for professional development. It shows just how much you invest in their careers.
Keep a Positive Work Environment
- Boost teamwork by setting goals and celebrating group achievements.
- Set up team-building activities no matter how small they are.
- Address workplace challenges head on. Take steps to resolve issues quickly.
Be Empathetic and Supporting
- Check in with your team, especially when they’re really busy.
- Create a safe space for feedback.
Building strong relationships with your pharmacy staff is key to fostering a supportive and productive workplace. When you communicate openly, recognize their hard work, invest in their growth, and show empathy, you create a team that’s deeply connected.
More articles from the December 2025 issue:
- From Retail to Clinical
- A Safe Space
- Beyond the Counter
- The Rise of Menopause Clinics
- Where Your Cash Goes
- Your Pharmacy Goals for 2026
- PBA Health + Speed Script = Partnership
- From Scripts to Support
A Member-Owned Company Serving Independent Pharmacies
PBA Health is dedicated to helping independent pharmacies reach their full potential on the buy-side of their business. Founded and run by pharmacists, PBA Health serves independent pharmacies with group purchasing services, wholesaler contract negotiations, proprietary purchasing tools, and more.
An HDA member, PBA Health operates its own NABP-accredited warehouse with more than 6,000 SKUs, including brands, generics, narcotics CII-CV, cold-storage products, and over-the-counter (OTC) products — offering the lowest prices in the secondary market.
