Building Supportive Environments for Talent Retention in Healthcare

In an interview with Healthcare Business Review APAC, Fabi Cariño, Country Human Resources Director of MedRisk, sheds light on the challenges in healthcare staffing and how MedRisk is mitigating them and developing a positive work environment for healthcare professionals.

Could you provide an overview of your company?

MedRisk is a Philippine staffing company specializing in outsourcing healthcare workers and assistants to help address the staffing needs in the United States and other countries. Our aim is to bridge the gap in healthcare staffing by providing skilled and qualified professionals to support the healthcare industry. We use a range of platforms integrated into our system for candidate sourcing, including LinkedIn, social media networks, and job search websites like JobStreet.

What are the major challenges in healthcare staffing?

One of the significant challenges in the healthcare industry, particularly in the Philippines, is staffing. Many healthcare professionals in our country prefer to work overseas to earn higher salaries, creating a shortage of skilled healthcare workers locally. Even within the local healthcare BPO industry, there is intense competition in acquiring and retaining the right talent.

One additional complexity we face is the emergence of the Generation Z workforce. This generation is known for their dynamic nature and tendency to make quick career decisions, which poses unique challenges for talent retention and maintaining a multi-generational workforce.

Overcoming these challenges requires proactive efforts to attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals, while also understanding and addressing the evolving needs and aspirations of the Gen Z workforce. By adapting to these changes and creating a supportive work environment, we can tackle the staffing challenges and contribute to the advancement of the healthcare industry.

Could you explain how MedRisk is mitigating these challenges?

First and foremost, one of our key focuses is enhancing the employee experience. By prioritizing this aspect, we aim to create a workplace environment that employees find fulfilling and engaging.

As the head of human resources at MedRisk, my current efforts are directed towards improving the employee experience and ensuring the provision of benefits that foster employee retention. For instance, we take pride in offering a permanent work-from-home arrangement, enabling our employees to serve clients and customers virtually.

Another aspect of our approach involves creating effective policies, procedures, and training programs to facilitate holistic employee development. When employees receive such support, they often become company ambassadors, sharing their positive experiences with others and referring potential candidates. We have implemented an employee referral program to further encourage this practice.

Leveraging technology also plays a pivotal role in our recruitment strategy. We currently use two Human Resources Information Systems, which have expedited the hiring process and enabled us to attract a larger pool of candidates.

Prioritizing people development by offering a wide range of training programs for employees and leaders is important to us. We also consider the wellness and mental health for our employees to be crucial in providing the required care.

Apart from this, we recognize the significance of establishing a strong employer brand that distinguishes us.

What is your advice for peers who are hiring staff for their healthcare organizations?

One of the foremost priorities in the healthcare industry is to recruit individuals who possess not only the necessary professional skills, but also an attitude of care and concern. Finding the right people with a customer-centric mindset, with caring, empathy, and exceptional customer service is of utmost importance.

It is also crucial for healthcare professionals to acknowledge and appreciate the benevolent nature of their work. Spreading kindness and positivity among colleagues is vital to sustain in the often demanding and emotionally challenging environment of the healthcare industry. Reminding themselves of the significance of their roles helps maintain morale and a sense of pride.

Creating a positive work environment where employees genuinely enjoy their work goes beyond monetary considerations. By cultivating a workforce rooted in a genuine sense of empathy, healthcare organizations can nurture personnel who find true fulfilment in their roles, paving the way for enhanced employee satisfaction that ultimately translates into superior care delivery to patients.