Get Rid of Employee Disengagement Once And For All
By Steve Gahagen
My wife is a registered nurse with a passion for helping moms and babies begin their journey together in a healthy and hopeful way. Like so many of her colleagues, she chose this profession because she felt called to make a difference. They show up each day not just to do a job, but to create unforgettable moments for families at one of the most epic points in their lives.
And yet, I sometimes wonder if the corporation she worked for is unknowingly writing the playbook on how to kill morale and disengage a passionate workforce.
Healthcare professionals are asked to do more with less—higher care expectations while staff is being cut. Even simple traditions, like the employee picnic, are casualties of budget cuts. These choices, while perhaps justifiable on paper, erode the very culture that keeps people invested in their work.
Culture matters. Especially in a post-pandemic world where hybrid and remote work have changed how teams connect, culture is the invisible thread that weaves people together. And it’s not just about pay and perks. It’s about purpose. It’s about being able to show up as your best self, use your strengths, and contribute meaningfully.
The Gallup organization has shown that workplaces where employees’ strengths are recognized and utilized tend to be more engaged and productive. When people are able to work in their “sweet spot” most of the time, they feel more energized, committed, and valued. That kind of engagement doesn’t just benefit individuals—it lifts entire teams.
A strengths-based culture is contagious. It spreads through trust, appreciation, and shared purpose. And in high-stress environments like healthcare, it could be the key to keeping great nurses—and helping them thrive.
Questions to consider
One way companies can grow a positive culture is by using the annual review time to clarify whether an employees strengths are being utilized. Here are a few questions that could be helpful:
Of your strengths, which two describe you best?
What strengths do you use the most in your current role?
What do you find most satisfying about your work?