#111 - Elevating Employee Happiness for Better Patient Care

This episode of The ASHHRA Podcast features an inspiring and insightful conversation with Deb Yost, Vice President of People Strategy at BJC Health Care. Deb joined hosts Luke and Bo to discuss her passion for healthcare, her unexpected career path, and her innovative approach to human resources. 

Here are some key takeaways from this powerful episode:

Finding Purpose Through Personal Experience

Deb's connection to healthcare is deeply personal. She shares the profound impact of her son's health conditions, including a chromosomal deletion and autism, as well as her daughter's diagnosis as a type one diabetic. These experiences have fueled her passion for access to healthcare and enhancing the patient experience.

Transforming HR in Healthcare

Originally on a path to becoming a lawyer, Deb's career took an unexpected turn towards human resources. Today, she emphasizes the importance of focusing on employee happiness to ultimately benefit patient care. Her belief in creating a workplace that encourages authenticity and transparency has resonated deeply within BJC Health Care, positively impacting both employees and patients.

Awards, Mergers, and Strategic Visions

Luke and Bo explore the idea of recognizing influential individuals over 65 who continue to excel in their fields, stressing the need for such recognition. They also discuss strategic moves in the healthcare industry, including the merging of health systems and acquisition of small rural hospitals. Deb sheds light on other healthcare verticals like pharmacy acquisitions and supply chain management and emphasizes the importance of aligning missions and cultures during mergers and acquisitions to ensure successful integration and focus on patient care.

Work-Life Harmony and Authentic Leadership

Deb champions the concept of work-life harmony over balance and highlights the importance of setting boundaries and managing stress to bring one's best self to both work and home. She discusses the significance of authenticity, both personally and professionally, and the need to foster an environment where employees can thrive and be themselves.

Creating a Positive Culture

The episode underscores the impact of a positive work environment on employee well-being and how BJC Health Care’s unique culture of respectful communication and valuing diverse perspectives has been instrumental in its success. Deb also emphasizes the continuous need for recruiting and the positive ripple effect of working in a great organization.

A Vision for the Future

Deb Yost's commitment to people strategy and her vision for the future of the workforce in healthcare are truly inspiring. She leaves us with a powerful message about the significance of leadership, perspective-taking, and open communication in creating a workplace that values both people and patient care.

Thank you for being a valued member of the ASHHRA community. We hope you find this episode as enriching and motivating as we did. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions and expert insights in our upcoming episodes.

Best regards,

The ASHHRA Podcast Team

This episode is sponsored by RxBenefits... Unlock Pharmacy Plan Potential!

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