In this week’s Monday News Drop, Bo Brabo, Luke Carignan, and Jeremy Sadlier tackle two headlines that should have every healthcare HR leader paying close attention: reported job eliminations at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and a new survey showing more than half of U.S. healthcare workers are considering leaving their roles.

The conversation cuts through headlines and focuses on what HR leaders need to understand, question, and act on.

🔍 Topics Covered in This Episode

VA Job Cuts: What’s Really Happening?
Reports indicate the VA plans to eliminate up to 35,000 healthcare positions. Bo, Luke, and Jeremy question whether these are true workforce reductions or long-standing vacant roles finally coming off the books. The discussion highlights why transparency matters, especially for veterans, clinicians, and HR leaders trying to understand the real impact on access to care and workforce planning.

55% of Healthcare Workers Considering a Job Change
A new survey reveals 55% of healthcare workers plan to switch jobs, while 84% feel underappreciated and only 20% believe their employer is invested in their long-term growth. The hosts break down why this isn’t just a retention issue—it’s a leadership and engagement problem hiding in plain sight.

Why Surveys Aren’t Enough
Annual engagement surveys alone aren’t fixing the problem. The episode emphasizes the importance of frequent, real conversations, visible follow-through, and leaders being willing to share results transparently and act quickly before employees disengage or leave.

HR Visibility Matters
With HR teams shrinking and more roles moving off-site or remote, Jeremy underscores the risk of losing connection to frontline staff. When HR isn’t present, stress signals are missed—and engagement declines.

AI Is Already Reshaping Work
The hosts discuss real-world examples of AI in healthcare, including ambient clinical documentation and coding. While AI can reduce administrative burden and improve patient care, it also raises urgent questions about workforce redeployment, career pathways, and change management.

💡 Key Takeaway

Workforce challenges are converging—burnout, perceived lack of appreciation, structural cuts, and rapid technology change. The solution isn’t software alone. It starts with listening, acting, and treating employee engagement as a strategic priority tied directly to patient experience and organizational sustainability.

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