By: Jenny Muhammad, Director of Human Resources for Advantage Support Services, Inc.
Highlighting the Heroes Behind the Scenes
In every healthcare organization, there’s a group of people who work quietly behind the scenes, shaping the heart and soul of the workplace. Often unnoticed by patients and sometimes even by their colleagues, these professionals in the Human Resources department, now better known as the People and Culture team, play a vital role in making healthcare environments more supportive, positive, and empowering for everyone. They’re the people who help healthcare organizations not just run but thrive. They are, in many ways, the unsung heroes who create the environments that enable caregivers to give their best every day.
The New Face of Healthcare HR
The role of HR in healthcare is evolving, and “People and Culture” is more than just a trendy new name. This term reflects a shift in focus from traditional HR tasks to building an organizational culture that values, develops, and cares for its people. In healthcare, where burnout is high and turnover can be costly, fostering a positive and supportive work environment isn’t just good practice; it’s essential. People and Culture professionals work to ensure that every team member feels connected, valued, and inspired, which directly impacts the quality of patient care.
Today’s HR teams are rebranding to “People and Organization Development” to emphasize their commitment to growing individuals and teams. They’re not just hiring and handling paperwork, they’re nurturing talent and building up everyone, from nurses and clinicians to support staff and administrators. They focus on career growth, skill development, and creating a pathway for each person to contribute meaningfully to the organization. In short, they’re the people helping healthcare professionals become their best selves so they can provide the best care.
Leaders Who Prioritize People
In many healthcare systems, roles like “Chief Talent Officer” and “People Officer” are becoming more common, highlighting that people are a top priority. These leaders are reimagining how to support and grow the healthcare workforce. They focus on talent development, career advancement, and creating a workplace that feels like a community. Through this vision, they’re ensuring that the people caring for patients feel supported, appreciated, and ready to meet the demands of healthcare.
More than ever, healthcare HR teams are focused on the “Employee Experience”, a term that goes beyond traditional benefits to include mental health support, work-life balance, growth opportunities, and a sense of belonging. In a field as demanding as healthcare, it’s crucial that caregivers feel supported in every way. By centering on well-being, People and Culture teams help reduce burnout and foster a healthier, more balanced workforce. When employees feel valued and connected to their work, it positively affects patient care and creates a sense of community within the organization.
When People and Culture teams do their job well, it has a ripple effect across the organization. Employees feel happier, teams work more smoothly, and patients receive better care. HR professionals are uniquely positioned to listen to the needs of healthcare workers, advocate for their well-being, and create policies and programs that support everyone. They’re the ones making sure the healthcare “neighborhood” is a place where people feel safe, valued, and connected to a bigger purpose.
In healthcare, a strong People and Culture team is like the foundation of a neighborhood, creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. They may not be the ones performing surgeries or treating patients, but their work is essential in shaping a workplace that feels like a community. By supporting the people who care for others, they help build a better healthcare experience for all. In recognizing these silent heroes, we honor those who make healthcare a place where everyone—from patients to providers—can feel at home.
