Healthcare leaders’ to-do lists are dominated by a progression of change-related mandates: shift, integrate, merge, expand, transform. Leaders are asked to skillfully manage the day-to-day concerns of running a healthcare organization while making the bold changes needed for their organizations to thrive three, five and 10 years from now. With so many high-stakes problems to solve, it can be tempting to overlook investment in people and culture.
Building a strong culture—getting the people part right—matters now more than ever for leaders seeking to create innovative, high-performing organizations. Provider shortages, burnout and a lack of employees with future-forward skills are all factors contributing to a scenario where health systems lack the foundation to transform.
For healthcare leaders to reimagine the way care is delivered and to redefine value for patients and providers, it is going to take a mindset shift throughout the ranks. Leaders simply cannot achieve the monumental shifts needed without building nimble, change-ready cultures.
It’s no surprise that many of those honored as Best Places to Work also lead the industry in innovation and quality of care.
As leaders continue to make investments in data, technology and innovation aimed at improving care experience and clinical outcomes, the importance of culture only grows. To get the most out of their investments, organizations need engaged cultures where employees and clinicians not only want to work but want to grow and evolve along with the organization while finding deep personal and professional meaning.
A world-class strategy will go nowhere fast without the consistency provided by a culture that values people and prioritizes organizational excellence. This becomes even more true as healthcare organizations grow and expand their networks outside the walls of the hospital and must ensure the best clinical outcomes and exceptional care experience in every setting at every patient encounter.
The future of healthcare belongs to dedicated leaders like you who are embracing change and innovation while keeping people—employees, clinicians and patients—at the forefront of all you do.
