The Opportunity
While operating in an industry facing well-documented clinical talent shortages, VNS Health identified a key area for enhancement: employees weren't convinced their feedback would spark meaningful workplace changes. Survey data pointed to possibilities for strengthening the connection between employee input and organizational action.
The Solution
VNS Health launched a comprehensive feedback strategy placing action planning in the hands of business leaders. Their approach included:
- A "You Asked, We Did: What's Next" campaign showcasing implemented changes
- Survey action champions within each business unit
- Leadership excellence development programs for frontline leaders
- Senior leader listening tours and skip-level meetings
- Redesigned HR Hub for streamlined resource access, and
- Cross-department knowledge sharing through guest speaker series and job shadowing
The organization built feedback channels into existing workflows through team meetings, town halls, and senior leader roundtables, ensuring changes developed collaboratively with employees.
The Impact
Employee confidence in survey-driven improvements rose 13%, placing VNS Health in the 97th percentile industry-wide. Willingness to recommend VNS Health as a workplace increased 4%, while belief in leadership's commitment to gathering employee input grew 5%.
The strategy yielded tangible operational results. Overall turnover dropped from 20% to 11% — a substantial improvement in healthcare talent retention. Employee confidence in senior leadership rose 3%, reflecting stronger connections between frontline staff and organizational direction.
