#178 - Rethinking Talent Acquisition and Team Productivity

In this dynamic episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, hosts Luke Carignan and Bo Brabo chat with Suzanne Kercher-Liedke, Director of Talent Acquisition at Hoag Health System in Orange County, CA. From her unexpected start in recruiting (post-agricultural business major) to scaling Hoag from 2,700 to 10,000 employees, Suzanne shares her 22-year journey and forward-thinking approaches to talent challenges amid shortages and competition.

Explore Hoag's evolution into a fully integrated system, emphasizing candidate experience, recruiter empowerment, and bold ideas like "night owl" recruiting shifts to engage passive talent after hours.

Key takeaways for healthcare HR leaders:

• Flexible Recruiting Shifts: Pilot non-traditional hours (e.g., noon-8pm) to boost productivity and work-life balance… ideal for night owls or family schedules.
• Candidate Experience Focus: Prioritize empathy, transparency, and quick feedback; treat applicants like VIPs to stand out in competitive markets.
• Recruiter Development: Invest in training, branding, and AI tools; empower teams with autonomy to innovate and reduce turnover.
• Addressing Shortages: Tackle nursing gaps with targeted sourcing, partnerships, and internal mobility… adapt to Gen Z's values for authenticity and growth.
• AI & Branding: Use AI for efficiency (e.g., chatbots, screening) while maintaining human touch; leverage employer branding to attract top talent.
• Team Culture: Foster collaboration and fun… Suzanne's all-hands rollout of flexible shifts could spark retention wins.

Inspiring for HR transforming TA in healthcare. Suzanne's open-minded vibe reminds us: Innovate boldly!

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