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Empowering Environment

MHA Staff member Jill Williams

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Jill Williams

Vice President of Workforce Development

We help Missouri hospitals create an environment where employees grow and thrive.

Engaged employees are the cornerstone of exceptional patient care. Through key areas of programming and support, MHA is dedicated to providing the resources to empower health care employees to thrive, ultimately leading to improved patient care and stronger communities. Engaged employees are the cornerstone of exceptional patient care.

Equipping Staff to Provide Exceptional Care 

MHA emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment where staff feel valued and heard. Strategies such as flexible scheduling, recognition programs and inclusive decision-making processes are pivotal in enhancing engagement and reducing turnover. Regular stay interviews and consistent compensation reviews further contribute to strengthening employee retention and satisfaction.

Engaging Staff to Support Complex Adaptive Systems and Programs

Dyad Leadership Model

The Dyad Leadership Model pairs clinical and administrative leaders to ensure balanced decision-making that integrates both patient care and operational efficiency. This collaborative approach fosters shared accountability, enhances communication, and aligns organizational goals with frontline realities, leading to improved patient outcomes and staff satisfaction.

Team Skills

Investing in professional development is crucial for adapting to the evolving health care landscape. MHA advocates for comprehensive training programs that encompass cross-functional skills, leadership development and succession planning. By offering mentorship, interdisciplinary team experiences and career advancement pathways, health care organizations can cultivate a workforce equipped to meet future challenges.

Examining Trends and Providing Tangible Recommendations 

Innovation and Tool Redesign

Embracing innovation and redesigning workflows are vital for enhancing care delivery. Hospitals are adopting technologies like virtual nursing, telehealth, and artificial intelligence to streamline operations and alleviate staff burdens. Additionally, flexible staffing models, including app-enabled self-scheduling and internal gig employment, offer health care workers greater autonomy and work-life balance, contributing to higher job satisfaction and reduced burnout.

Economic Development

Hospitals play a pivotal role in the economic development of their communities. MHA promotes strategies such as inclusive local hiring, workforce development programs, and place-based investing to foster economic growth. By connecting local residents to high-quality health care jobs and supporting local businesses, hospitals can contribute to the overall well-being and prosperity of their communities.

Support for Families

Recognizing the challenges faced by health care workers in balancing professional and personal responsibilities is essential. MHA supports initiatives that provide resources for childcare, eldercare, and other family-related needs. By offering support services and fostering a family-friendly work environment, health care organizations can enhance employee well-being and retention.

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Supporting Staff by Creating Respectful Environments

Fostering respectful, safe environments is essential to workforce satisfaction, patient trust, and organizational stability. The Healing Happens Here toolkit offers communication strategies and messaging resources that help reinforce appropriate conduct across your health system—supporting smoother operations, staff retention and a more positive care environment.

  1. View the Healing Happens Here Toolkit