Real retention isn’t about perks—it’s about building a safe place for great people to stay.
Still losing good staff? You’re not alone.
Last week we discussed attracting and retaining staff on the back of my recent appearance on the APA Panel in Victoria.
Today, we'll go a bit deeper into the problem itself and what the best owners are doing to solve it.
Physio clinic owners across the country are trying to solve their retention issues with perks, pay rises and promises.
But the ones that succeed?
They’re not chasing unicorns—they’re building trust.
Because real staff retention starts with psychological safety.
Want to build a team that stays?
Join our Free Workshop on Recruitment & Retention, it's called Unicorns Don't Exist and we'll be live on April 16th at 12:30 AEDT.
👉 Register here
Why Staff Retention Isn’t About Being Nice
There’s a dangerous myth that being “nice” will keep people around. But the latest research from Harvard Business Review says otherwise: psychological safety isn’t comfort—it’s candour.
“Nice is the easy way out. Kind is being respectful, caring, and honest.” – HBR, 2025
In safe clinics, team members know where they stand. They can speak up without fear, give feedback without tiptoeing, and admit mistakes without hiding.
That’s what builds long-term loyalty—not Friday snacks or Spotify playlists.
Feedback Is the Fastest Retention Tool
From the archives - our original article on Giving Feedback to Physiotherapy Staff, this quote still rings true:
“Enough is never enough if the person doesn’t know where they stand.”
Retention problems often show up after someone disengages—quiet quitting, missed handovers, last-minute resignations.
But the root cause is nearly always the same: unclear expectations and low safety.
If you want to retain great people, build a culture where feedback is expected, early, and real.
Staff Retention Is Built, Not Hoped For
Want to build a clinic people don’t want to leave? Focus on what you model as a leader:
- Be clear: Communicate what matters and why. Retention is a team sport.
- Be human: Share your mistakes. Ask questions. Admit when you don’t know.
- Be consistent: Create regular rhythms for feedback—don’t save it for crisis moments.
This isn’t about being soft. It’s about being solid.
Staff Retention Starts With You
High-performing teams aren’t found—they’re developed. And they only stick around if the environment makes it safe to learn, grow, and be heard.
Your leadership—your communication, your culture, your courage—is the single biggest factor in retention.
Not your hiring ads. Not your pay scale.
Thanks for reading part three of our series on Recruitment Strategy
Want to build a team that stays?
Join our Free Workshop on Recruitment & Retention, it's called Unicorns Don't Exist and we'll be live on April 16th at 12:30 AEDT.
👉 Register here
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