To make a real change in the culture of a healthcare organization, chief wellness officers must first be willing to learn and listen from all individuals, according to a June 3 American Medical Association article.
Here are four ways in which a new chief wellness officer can prepare to change health system culture:
- A new wellness officer must get the lay of the land to understand internal organizational structures, including the financial health of the system, its size, leadership team and geography.
- Another key element to understanding the system is how the employees are organized. Note how many physicians are full time, whether there is an open staffing model and who they all report to.
- Collect quantitative data about the culture and wellness of employees by conducting surveys that touch on various aspects of professional fulfillment and engagement.
- Then use the hard data to go on a listening tour and engage with employees to understand their experiences in a qualitative manner, as well as field suggestions for improvements.