From Calling to Culture: Geoffrey Roche on Building a Workforce that Belongs

Geoffrey M. Roche, MPA, is the son of a nurse, healthcare expert, diversity advocate, and education enthusiast, presently serving as the inaugural North America Director of Workforce Development at Siemens Healthineers. In this role, he leads all national workforce development strategy and partnerships to advance a sustainable future-ready healthcare workforce. Roche speaks often on healthcare workforce topics at global conferences such as Becker's Annual Conference, HIMSS, HLTH, ASU+GSV, HolonIQ, and ViVE. In 2022, Roche was nominated to the Forbes Business Council for his national level work.Roche has over 16 years of experience in hospital and higher education leadership in the United States. He has served on various boards and committees, including the United Way of North Carolina, United Way of Lebanon County, United Way of Pennsylvania, and Patient Safety Committee for WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital. Roche also presently serves on the JFF Corporate Innovation Council and the Goldman Sachs Horizon Inclusive Growth Corporate Network, representing the healthcare industry.We're diving deep into the concept of belonging today, and let me tell you, it's a big deal! Our guest, Jeffrey Roche, really nails it by emphasizing that creating a sense of community in the workplace isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have for keeping people engaged and happy. He shares some solid insights on the challenges leaders face in making their teams feel valued and heard, especially in the wild world of healthcare where retention is becoming a real headache. We chat about how asking the right questions—like, "What could we change to make this place better?"—can spark some powerful discussions and lead to actual change. So, grab a comfy seat and tune in while we explore the nuts and bolts of building a workforce that feels like home, rather than just a job!This episode dives deep into the crucial topic of belonging in the workforce, particularly in healthcare. We kick things off with a vibrant conversation featuring Jeffrey Roche, the director of workforce development at Siemens Healthineers. He shares his journey from being the son of a nurse to leading initiatives that shape the future of healthcare talent. One of the standout moments is when Roche emphasizes the need for organizations to create environments where every employee feels valued and heard. It's not just about filling positions; it's about fostering a culture where people can thrive. Roche reflects on his experiences, highlighting that even before the pandemic, there were underlying issues in the healthcare sector regarding employee retention and engagement. He articulates the stark reality: the healthcare industry is facing a looming shortage of workers, and unless organizations start prioritizing their cultures and the well-being of their employees, they'll continue to struggle. He encourages leaders to actively listen to their teams and implement changes based on feedback, making it clear that a people-first approach is not just a nice-to-have but a necessity for sustainable success.Takeaways: A big part of leadership is lifting others up so they can reach their potential, which creates a supportive culture. Listening to employees about what they want to change in their workplace is crucial for improvement and growth. Belonging in the workplace isn’t just a buzzword; it’s about making everyone feel valued and included, and that’s essential. Healthcare leaders need to adapt to workforce changes and focus more on people-centric approaches to retain talent. Creating a culture of gratitude and psychological safety can significantly enhance employee engagement and satisfaction. The future of healthcare relies on diverse and engaged workforces that feel they belong, which ultimately improves patient care. Links for today's show: • Geoffrey's Linked In Page • Kent's Linked In Page • Promoted Leader Playbook**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.***Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com