The CCHL National Conversation is an opportunity for CCHL members from across the country to learn more about and contribute to advancing thought leadership on a priority topic facing health leaders with the intention to support effective health leadership within and beyond the CCHL community. We aim to achieve this by gathering our members in an expert-informed dialogue on an specific topic of priority facing Canadian health care, collecting thoughts on the leadership skills required to address the topic, and by disseminating an Executive Summary of the National Conversation through networks across Canada.
The topic of the 2024 National Conversation is Engaging Health Leaders in Canada’s HHR Crisis, exploring what role may health leaders play to retain the current health human resource (HHR) workforce and prepare for the influx of a new and younger workforce, so that the health system is sustainable, and the HHR workforce is engaged, empowered, and retained. You can find out more about the 2024 National Conversation’s format at speakers, by consulting our Past National Conversations web pages.
Checklist to Address Health Human Resource Crisis
The Checklist offers a comprehensive approach to tackling these challenges, emphasizing engagement and communication, recruitment and retention, safety and wellness, recognition and appreciation, staff support and development, and leadership practices.
Click here to access the Checklist
Consult Sections of the White Paper
Topic Summary
The 2022 Health Human Resources Symposium brought attention to one of the most pressing issues in Canada’s healthcare system: the health human resources (HHR) crisis. With challenges such as a shrinking workforce, low retention rates, and worsening workplace conditions—compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic—the healthcare sector is under immense pressure. This topic summary outlines key discussions on how health leaders can play a pivotal role in retaining the current workforce and preparing for the future.
Outline
The 2024 National Conversation explores how Canadian healthcare systems are engaging, supporting, and retaining their workforce while preparing for future challenges. In part one, experts like Dr. Ivy Bourgeault, Deborah Gordon, Dr. Karima Velji and Dr. Michael Gardam discuss national strategies while part two, featuring leaders such as Kelly Kimens, Mike Nader, and Kathy MacNeil, focuses on organizational efforts to ensure workforce sustainability.
Part 1 – Executive Summary
The Executive Summary of Part One from the 2024 CCHL National Conversation presents key insights from expert panelists on shaping a supportive and sustainable healthcare workforce in Canada. The discussion covers strategies for long-term workforce engagement, addressing current challenges, and fostering an inclusive environment that prioritizes well-being, leadership, and cultural transformation.
Part 2 – Executive Summary
This executive summary highlights discussions from a panel at CCHL’s National Conference on engaging and supporting the health workforce. Key leaders from various health authorities shared strategies for workforce retention, emphasizing the importance of visible leadership, employee engagement, and tailored support. The summary explores generational shifts in the workforce, particularly focusing on Gen Z’s preferences and contributions. It also discusses the roles of health leaders in fostering a supportive and sustainable work environment, emphasizing flexibility, communication, and proactive leadership to meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals.
Part 1 – Synopsis
The synopsis of part one provides a detailed overview of discussions from the first part of the 2024 CCHL National Conversation, focusing on the vision for a sustainable and engaged healthcare workforce in Canada. It explores expert insights on creating an inclusive, supportive environment, addressing immediate workforce challenges, and planning for long-term improvements. Key themes include cultural transformation, leadership development, work-life balance, and the integration of education and inclusivity to foster a resilient healthcare system.
Part 2 – Synopsis
At the CCHL National Conference, a dynamic panel of healthcare leaders discussed strategies for engaging, supporting, and retaining the health workforce in a rapidly evolving landscape. The dialogue delved into how organizations are addressing the challenges of workforce retention by focusing on leadership visibility, open communication, and supporting mid-level leaders. Through initiatives such as mentorship programs, safety measures, and tailored engagement strategies, leaders from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Vancouver Island Health Authority, and William Osler Health System shared their approaches to creating a supportive and sustainable work environment. Additionally, a presentation on Gen Z in the workforce highlighted the unique expectations and contributions of this emerging generation, emphasizing the need for flexibility, mentorship, and meaningful work to attract and retain talent in healthcare.
Part 2 – Participant contributions
This section highlights the valuable insights shared by participants during the concurrent session at the CCHL National Conference. Through small group dialogues and an online survey, participants discussed actions that health organizations are taking to engage, support, and retain their workforce. The contributions cover a wide range of strategies, from enhancing employment benefits and implementing flexible working arrangements to promoting leadership development and addressing workforce challenges. These discussions underscore the importance of a comprehensive approach to workforce retention, with a strong emphasis on the role of leadership in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
