ZocDoc has a clear set of company values. What are they?

Zappos Tony Hsieh

Earlier this year I had the privilege of hearing Tony Hsieh, The CEO of Zappos speak when he was in Sydney. 

His best practice employee focused culture and values based approach to all business decisions has been modelled successfully by leading US online health care appointment booking service ZocDoc. 

Cyrus Massoumi

Cyrus Massoumi’s ruptured eardrum inspired the creation of ZocDoc, a site that allows patients to locate and book doctor appointments online. It’s as simple as entering your zip (post code) and insurance (if applicable), and in seconds, ZocDoc shows you doctors near you with availability by the hour. You can check out their educational background, specialties and read reviews from other patients.

In Australia, many start ups in the online appointment booking space are trying to emulate the success of ZocDoc. They would be therefore wise to follow this clearly defined company values structure (and of course develop their own) that has resulted in ZocDoc being awarded one of the best places to work. Great employees are the result of great workplace cultures. 

It’s no accident that ZocDoc hires less than 1% of its job applicants. The firm, which helps patients book medical appointments online, limits its employee roster to team players—and then rewards them with innovative projects and lots of perks to convey its appreciation for their work and professionalism. Team playing is critical to it's success with the organisation insisting that managers are responsible for their own departments without interference.

Employees are so motivated that the company doesn’t dictate the specific number of hours they need to work, and they can take an unlimited number of vacation days—without jeopardizing their salaries. And when they’re in the office, Friday evening happy hour and an on-site game room are among the many ways they can unwind.

Building great teams, takes time, effort and commitment. I did a great fun morning WIP with a team I was managing back in July 2012.  We rode the go-carts at Luna Park and then energised went off to plot our deliverables during a very tough week. It was fun.

Luna Park WIP July, 2012

Here's some tips from ZocDoc:

Patients first – The company views itself as a social enterprise in the sense that we’re fixing a patient problem, and hopefully patients will reward us with their loyalty and referrals; yes, doctors pay us, but patients are our customers.

Great people – Hire employees who are better than yourself. 

Own it – Everyone should act like an owner. Take days off only when you need to, and expense what you need to as if it were your own money. 

Us before me – Everybody pitches in everywhere. There isn’t a single job at this company that is beneath any one of us. 

Work hard – Our people apply 200% to everything they do. 

Make work fun – If it’s not fun, why are you here? 

Speak up – If an employee disagrees with something we’re doing, I want that employee to tell me. We have smart, high-energy employees, and I want to make sure we get the best ideas out.