Reward, recognise and retain staff

Pharmacies looking for a way to reward and recognise staff for their hard work and immense resilience displayed during the Covid-19 pandemic should consider sending them to this year’s Pharmacy Assistant National Conference (PA2022). 

For 20 years, the PA Conference has been the peak educational and networking event for pharmacy assistants. 

After a two-year break due to Covid-19, the event will be back in Brisbane from 28-29 October.

National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey says PA2022 provides the perfect opportunity to not only reward staff for the integral frontline role they have undertaken during the pandemic, but will also assist in retaining staff by recognising their valuable contribution. 

“Our frontline staff have worked harder than anyone over the past two years, and they deserve to be acknowledged, rewarded and celebrated,” says Professor Twomey. 

“With limited face-to-face education and networking opportunities over the past two years, PA2022 is the perfect place for pharmacy assistants to connect with peers and to debrief about the challenges of Covid-19.

“Rewarding and recognising staff has also proven to assist in staff retention, which is crucial during the current labour shortage most pharmacies are experiencing.

“The conference program will equip staff with updated information on current industry trends, product knowledge, and management and operational practices, while the social functions provide valuable networking and the chance to have fun with fellow pharmacy assistants,” he says.  

PA2022 will feature a two-day education program including a Refresher Training Workshop, a 30-stand trade exhibition and an exciting social agenda including the Conference Dinner, where the National Winner of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award will be announced. 

“To round out the conference, pharmacy assistants will have front row seats for the announcement of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year. This will be the first time in two years that the winner has been announced in person,” says Professor Twomey. 

“Finishing the conference with a celebration of pharmacy assistant excellence will be an experience your staff will never forget.” 

Early bird registration, which will save delegates $65, is now available. The conference also offers a 100% Covid refund guarantee, so if your staff can’t attend the event due to Covid-19 restrictions or orders to self-isolate, a full refund will be provided. 

In addition, pharmacies that register two or more staff to attend PA2022 will receive a free APP2023 registration valued at over $1000. 

To reward your staff, go to pharmacyassistants.com for further details about the event and to register.