By Dina Brown, ANJC Director of Insurance and Government Affairs

Your practice is a space for healing—and that healing should extend to your team, not just your patients.

But when the workplace culture is strained or negative, it affects everyone—staff and patients alike. The good news? Culture can change. And the process starts with you.

Here’s how to break through common myths and build a more positive, productive environment in your chiropractic practice.

Misconception #1: “This is Just the Way Things Are”

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by persistent problems like poor communication, burnout, or workplace tension.

But no issue is too big to tackle. Many practices have turned things around by identifying key pain points and addressing them systematically. Start small. Focus on one area—whether it’s staff meetings, patient flow, or daily tone—and work toward gradual improvement. Over time, these small wins will turn into meaningful change.

Misconception #2: “One Person Can’t Change the System”

It might feel like the culture is too ingrained to shift, especially if the current environment has been in place for years.

But culture is not a fixed structure; it’s the sum of daily interactions, choices, and behaviors. Lead by example. Whether you’re the practice owner or a team member, how you show up each day can start a ripple effect of positive change.

Misconception #3: “We’ll Fix it with a Better Attitude”

Thinking you can change culture by simply encouraging everyone to “stay positive” is a common trap.

While mindset matters, lasting change is more than motivational quotes or upbeat emails. Make it real. Focus on structural shifts: how feedback is shared, how conflict is handled, and how wins are celebrated. Culture grows from behavior, not just attitude. Patience, respect, and a little grace that everyone on your team is trying their best can go a long way toward shifting your practice’s environment.

A Practical Path to a Stronger Team Culture

Ready to start making changes?

Here are three foundational steps to guide your efforts:

• Model the Change You Want to See
  Encourage accountability and consistency in everyday interactions. When individuals take ownership of their behavior, even small shifts can have a powerful impact.
• Rethink How Your Practice Runs
  Examine how your systems and routines contribute to the culture. Are communication channels open? Are expectations clear? Are team members empowered to contribute?
• Celebrate the Small Stuff
  Traditions, visual cues, shared rituals—these seemingly small things help build community and reinforce the culture you’re cultivating. Celebrate team wins and milestones in meaningful ways.

Final Takeaway: You’re Not Stuck with a Toxic Culture

It’s natural to feel unsure or even resistant when you realize a culture shift is needed.

But the first step to solving a problem is knowing you have one. By pushing past the misconceptions and being intentional about your team’s experience, you can rebuild a workplace where everyone—patients and staff—are supported and valued. Change takes time, but every step forward is a move toward a better practice and a better work life.

About the Author

Dina Brown, MHA, LSSBB, is the ANJC Director of Insurance and Government Affairs. She has a master’s in health administration from The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy of Rutgers University, is certified Lean Six Sigma, Black Belt, and has more than 25 years of practice management experience.