#166 - How Scripps Health Fosters Trust and Staff Empowerment in HR

In this episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, hosts Luke Carignan and Bo Brabo sit down with Eric Cole, Corporate Senior Vice President of HR at Scripps Health in San Diego. With a unique background in finance and hospital administration, Eric shares how blending operational insight with HR strategy has transformed leadership and culture at Scripps.

Key highlights include:

• Operations in HR: A Game-Changer – Eric discusses why HR pros need ops experience to drive strategy, especially when workforce costs hit 65% of expenses. Thought-provoking question: Are you bridging the gap between HR and operations in your organization?
• Stellar Engagement Results – Scripps jumped to the 86th percentile in employee engagement and 85th in belonging via Press Ganey surveys. Secrets? Multi-channel communication, staff-led problem-solving, and a focus on respect, recognition, and involvement.
• Building Trust Through Crises – From COVID to cyber attacks, Eric reveals how empowering teams and fostering relationships turned challenges into trust-building opportunities. Reflect: How prepared is your team to lead without a playbook?
• Leadership 101 (or 501?) – Insights on avoiding micromanagement, leveraging diverse skills, and using surveys as living tools for improvement. Eric emphasizes: Let staff own solutions—leaders remove barriers.

This episode challenges HR leaders to rethink trust, involvement, and continuous improvement. What small change could spark big cultural shifts in your healthcare system?

Don't miss ASHHRA 2026 in Savannah, May 17-19—register at ashhra.org!

For AP3 Group Stop Loss Interest, contact ASHHRA Executive Director, Jeremy Sadlier at jeremy.sadlier@ashhra.org or 312.985.7062.