“Additionally, we’ve seen a 20% increase in internal mobility among our mission partners, meaning more people are finding paths to advancement within the organization. This not only helps with retention but also builds a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future.”
From a community impact perspective, OSF Healthcare has been able to address critical shortages in allied health roles by leveraging Guild’s programs to upskill and reskill existing mission partners. This has not only improved patient care but has also created new career pathways for individuals looking to enter the healthcare field.
“Our partnership with Guild has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goal of becoming the employer of choice in every community we serve,” Parn said. “By investing in the growth and development of our mission partners, we’re not only improving the employee experience but also enhancing the quality of care we provide to our patients.”
CONCLUSION
As the healthcare industry continues to face challenges around workforce retention and burnout, organizations like OSF Healthcare are leading the way in reimagining talent development strategies that prioritize the well-being and growth of their employees. By partnering with innovative companies like Guild, healthcare systems can create a culture of continuous learning, development, and support that benefits both their workforce and the communities they serve.
“Our work with Guild has been transformative for OSF Healthcare, and we’re excited to continue building on this foundation of growth and empowerment for our mission partners,” Parn concluded. “By investing in our people, we’re investing in the future of healthcare – and that’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
Healthcare organizations are constantly looking for ways to invest in their employees and provide opportunities for growth and development. One organization that has seen great success in this area is OSF HealthCare, where 12% of mission partners have taken the next step by enrolling in a program. This is a significant achievement, especially considering the challenges that often stand in the way of healthcare workers pursuing further education.
According to a spokesperson from OSF, the organization has worked hard to remove barriers and create pathways for employees to grow within the organization. This has resulted in approximately 2,400 mission partners being retained who may have otherwise left. This level of retention is particularly impressive in light of the burnout that many healthcare workers have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to retaining employees, OSF has also seen over 130 internal promotions earned by current and former Guild learners. These promotions include more than 50 in nursing and 80 in clinical support roles. The return on investment for the organization has been exceptional, with a more than 200% return on every dollar spent on mission partner tuition. Over 1,500 graduates have completed programs through Guild since its launch in 2023.
These results demonstrate the effectiveness of OSF’s talent development platform and highlight the benefits of investing in employees’ education and growth. The spokesperson emphasized that this initiative not only benefits the teams and communities served but is also a smart business decision.
For healthcare organizations looking to implement a similar talent development platform, the spokesperson offered some advice. It is important to start with a clear understanding of goals and how the technology can support them. Defining objectives early on will help shape the program structure and ensure its success. Additionally, it is important to see the technology as a complement to existing education stipends, apprenticeships, or internal development programs, rather than duplicating efforts.
Overall, OSF’s success with its talent development platform serves as a model for other healthcare organizations looking to invest in their employees and provide opportunities for growth and development. By prioritizing education and professional development, organizations can not only retain valuable employees but also enhance the overall quality of care provided to patients.
