In a recent episode of Staffing Unplugged , we had the opportunity to discuss organizational culture with Rich Thompson, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Medical Solutions. During the conversation, Thompson shared his perspective on how culture shapes performance, leadership, and retention in today’s healthcare staffing landscape.
Defining Culture as the Foundation of Success
Thompson emphasized that culture is central to an organization’s success.
“Culture is identity; it’s the personification of a company.”
He explained that culture isn’t something built from occasional events or small, isolated initiatives—it’s an ongoing process that touches every aspect of the business, and he believes that creating a positive workplace culture requires intentional effort.
Leaders must focus on actively shaping it, as culture will develop independently if left unattended, often in ways that may not align with the organization’s goals. “Culture gets defined whether you actively define it or not,” he warned, urging leaders to take a proactive approach.
Leadership’s Role in Building Culture
A strong organizational culture starts at the top. Thompson highlighted the need for leadership to model the behaviors and values they want to see throughout the company. “Your actions speak so loudly I can’t hear a word that you say,” Thompson remarked, underscoring that consistency and authenticity are essential for leaders who wish to influence their teams positively.
Thompson shared a story from a healthcare setting where a CEO would regularly work side by side with staff on the floor. This gesture was more than just symbolic—it was a powerful display of leadership and commitment. He explained that it’s not enough for leaders to talk about culture; they must live it, showing their teams that they are fully invested in building an environment where everyone can thrive.
The Impact of Culture on Retention
Employee retention is a critical concern in today’s competitive healthcare staffing environment. Thompson pointed out that a strong culture directly impacts retention because it fosters a sense of connection. He explained that when employees are connected, they find meaning and purpose, leading to higher engagement, better performance, and, ultimately, longer organizational tenure.
Thompson identified four key connection points that organizations should focus on:
1. The Employee’s Role
2. Their Relationship with Their Boss or Leader
3. Their Team
4. The Company as a Whole
By strengthening these connections, leaders can create an environment where employees feel valued and appreciated—factors that are more important than any signing bonus or short-term perk.
“When people feel vested in, they feel valued, and that’s what keeps them from leaving almost all the time,” he said.
The Power of Intentional Culture
Throughout the episode, Thompson clarified that building and maintaining a strong culture is an ongoing and intentional process. It requires leadership to define, model, and protect the organization’s culture. Investing in culture can be the key to long-term success in the healthcare staffing industry, where burnout and turnover are ongoing challenges.
As Thompson put it, “Culture is everything. It’s the lens through which every employee views the company.” By prioritizing culture, organizations can improve retention and create an environment where employees are empowered to perform at their best.
To dive deeper into the conversation, watch the episode or contact Medical Solutions today! By understanding and addressing the needs of staffing, nursing, and allied health professionals, healthcare organizations can create a supportive and thriving work environment.
