Why Healthcare’s Best Employers Keep Winning | Employer Brand Strategy for Healthcare & Clinics

The Healthcare Industry is facing its biggest hiring and retention crisis in history. The demand for Nurses, Doctors, Oncologies, physiotherapists, outpatient care specialists, is skyrocketing, yet Physiotherapy Outpatient clinics, Dental Clinics, Hospitals, Pharmaceutical organizations and Medtech companies are struggling with talent shortages, turnover, and employer reputation challenges.  

In this episode of Blu Thread Conversations, we sit down with Megan Ambers, Chief People Officer at Ivy Rehab, one of the Best Places to Work in US Healthcare. We discuss the latest employer branding trends in healthcare, how top employers are winning the talent war, and why employer brand and recruitment marketing strategies directly impact patient satisfaction & business growth.  

Key Topics We Cover:
✅ How employer brand impacts patient outcomes & business success  
✅ Why hospitals and physiotherapy clinics are struggling the most with recruitment demand  
✅ The connection between employer sentiment and patient satisfaction  
✅ Leadership, EVP and Recruitment Marketing strategies that improve culture retention & talent attraction  
✅ How Ivy Rehab built an award-winning employer brand in healthcare  

Want to build a winning employer brand?
  
Learn more about our Employer Brand Strategy & Recruitment Marketing Solutions: 
👉https://bluivygroup.com/

Learn More about Ivy Rehab Careers: https://ivyrehab.com/

📲 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/blu-ivy-group

As organizations shift their focus towards building more transformational and high-impact employer brands, 2025 marks a pivotal moment. Employer branding is no longer about recruitment marketing alone —it will now be embraced as a key driver of cultural alignment, employee engagement, and business growth as well. In this evolving landscape, success will depend on your ability to create a brand that speaks to your people, aligns with your purpose, and sets the foundation for sustained organizational success.

These trends outline where leading organizations will focus more of their energy in 2025 to unlock the true potential of their employer brand. By shifting your employer brand strategy from a solution exclusively designed for talent acquisition, to one that is also a catalyst for cultural alignment and positive brand share of voice, you will find a monumental impact on business outcomes and measurable results that impact talent attraction, engagement, loyalty and brand reputation. 

Watch the episode on YouTube - Episode 10 Vodcast

Visit Blu Ivy Group Website - bluivygroup.com

In our latest episode of Blu Thread Conversations, Blu Ivy's Senior Director of Brand and Culture, Fanta Selman, sits down with Dr. Lauren Young, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Travelers. Dive into an inspiring discussion on how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives can drive business impact, foster innovation, and create a sense of belonging within organizations.

Discover how Travelers has embedded DEI into their brand and culture for over 15 years, and gain insights on leadership accountability, measuring success, and the importance of making DEI a core value. Whether you're a leader or a team member, this episode offers valuable takeaways on building a more inclusive and high-performing workplace.

Don't miss this powerful conversation! Listen now and join us in creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Chapters:

(01:28) Dr. Lauren Young is chief diversity and inclusion officer at Travelers

(04:40) How Dr. Young started her career in brand management and marketing

(12:16) Why is diversity is an imperative at Travelers

(14:31) My goal is to make diversity and inclusion synonymous with the Traveler's brand

(15:32) Travelers started its journey in diversity and inclusion in 2020

(16:45) How do you measure success in the short term and the long term?

(25:09) Fanta's episode reflection

Episode References:

Dr. Lauren Young - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurenyoung/

Travelers - https://careers.travelers.com/

Travelers on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/travelers/

Fanta Selman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fantaselman/

James Powell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdpowell/

In today’s episode, we dive into the findings from Blu Ivy's latest whitepaper with co-founder and managing director, Stacy Parker. Discover actionable recommendations for CEOs to mitigate leadership exodus risks and establish a renewed partnership with CHROs and People Leaders. Learn how to create a strategic roadmap for the future and ensure a robust pipeline of top talent. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

Download your copy of whitepaper ''The CHRO and People Leader Crisis: A Call for CEOs to Act" here: https://bluivygroup.com/chro-white-paper/

Chapters:

(02:23) There is a serious leadership and culture crisis at hand

(10:27) What did we learn about what matters most to HR leaders today?

(13:46) How crucial is a compelling EVP for organizations today?

(15:17) Research shows organizations are not static; they're always changing

(16:57) Organizations are seeing shifts in what matters most to talent

(21:30) CEOs need to establish a renewed strategic partnership with CHROs

(22:33) CEOs should have semi-annual C-Suite and Core Leader deep listening sessions

(23:52) Having highly trusted, highly efficient and engaged leaders is competitive advantage

(27:30) There are multiple generations in the workforce right now

(29:58) Blu Ivy launches Employer Brand and Culture Index to help CEOs make decisions

(33:49) Advice for sharing EVP activation across the organization

(38:14) 90% of CHROs say they need more resources or support

(42:01) One piece of advice for CEOs and HR leaders based on this research

Episode Contacts:

· Stacy Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyrparker/

· James Powell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdpowell/

In this episode of Blu Thread Conversations, host James Powell sits down with Stacy Parker, co-founder and Managing Director of Blu Ivy, to discuss the alarming findings of their latest white paper, "The CHRO and People Leaders Crisis: A Call for CEOs to Act."

DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY OF OUR LATEST WHITEPAPER HERE: https://bluivygroup.com/CHRO-white-paper/

Dive deep into the critical challenges CHROs and People Leaders face, including burnout, mental health issues, and a significant drop in strategic focus. This episode is a must-listen for CEOs who need to understand the urgent call to action to support their HR leaders and ensure organizational stability and growth.

Key Takeaways

• Burnout and Mental Health Crisis:

A staggering 58% of CHROs and People Leaders report burnout, mental health challenges, and exhaustion as their top issues. This crisis is exacerbated by the lack of support and resources, leaving HR leaders struggling to maintain their well-being while supporting others in the organization​.

• Strategic Focus Eroded:

Many CHROs are spending less than 10% of their time on strategic initiatives due to the constant need to manage crises and operational emergencies. This shift from strategic planning to immediate issue management poses a significant risk to long-term business transformation and readiness for future challenges​.

• Loneliness and Isolation in Leadership:

CHROs often experience profound loneliness and isolation, unable to share the burdens they carry due to the confidential nature of their work. This isolation contributes to the overall stress and burnout, as they lack a support network within their organizations

• Importance of Listening and Support:

The research highlights the power of listening to CHROs and People Leaders. Many HR leaders feel unheard and unsupported, which contributes to their dissatisfaction and burnout. CEOs must prioritize listening to their HR leaders, understanding their challenges, and providing the necessary support to help them thrive​.

• Alarm Bells for CEOs:

The white paper emphasizes the urgent need for CEOs to reassess their relationship with HR leaders. Establishing high-trust cultures, providing more resources, and ensuring open, honest communication are critical steps to prevent the imminent exodus of CHROs, which could destabilize organizational culture and efficiency.

Episode Chapters:

· (02:52) Blu Ivy's latest white paper focuses on leadership engagement and burnout

· (05:01) The importance of listening in leadership research

· (08:54) CHROs have navigated transformation and crisis over the last few years

· (12:44) 58% of respondents say burnout, mental health, exhaustion is top challenge

· (15:47) CHROs reported spending less than 10% of their time on strategy

· (19:35) A significant portion of CHROs are contemplating leaving their roles, research indicates

· (23:21) How has HR leadership evolved in terms of technology and AI integration?

· (28:08) How important is it for CEOs to reassess their partnership with HR in today's landscape

Episode Contacts:

· Stacy Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyrparker/

· James Powell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdpowell/

Join Greg Whitfield and Stacy Parker as they dive into an enlightening conversation with Kristen Winter, EVP of Programs, People, and Leadership at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Join us on a deep dive into the heart of healthcare leadership as we explore the pivotal role of employer branding in recruitment and retention. Discover how Sunnybrook's commitment to culture, innovation, and community impact has transformed their approach to attracting top talent.

Learn about Sunnybrook’s unique culture of humility, teamwork, and the profound impact they have on patients and their families. Kristen shares insights on building a robust employer brand media strategy and the importance of a people-centric approach in transforming healthcare talent recruitment.

Key Takeaways:

• The Importance of Employer Brand Media in Recruitment and Retention
• Holistic Recruitment Strategies in Healthcare
• The Role of Leadership and Active Listening
• Strategic Media Partnerships and Cross Org Collaboration
• Resilience and Adaptability in the Healthcare Sector

Whether you're an HR professional, a leader in healthcare, or simply passionate about organizational excellence, this episode is a masterclass in aligning people, culture, and performance for measurable business success.

Chapters:

(02:57) Healthcare industry has gone through a lot of change recently

(03:31) Kristen Winter's WHY

(09:23) Sunnybrook has really risen above in terms of culture

(12:25) Sunnybrook Health need to amplify recruiting during the pandemic

(15:46) Blu Ivy used social media to target healthcare recruitment audience

(17:59) Employer branding is vital for attraction AND retention

(23:16) One of the biggest constraints around recruiting and retaining top talent is budget

(30:54) Biggest challenges and opportunities in healthcare

(34:23) Helping companies develop value propositions for their frontline talent

(43:06) Learn more about Sunnybrook careers

✍️Episode References

Careers @ Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=why-choose-sunnybrook-career-opportunities

Episode Contacts:

• Kristen Winter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-winter-ba-chre-mais-08ab293/
• Stacy Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyrparker/
• Greg Whitfield: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-whitfield/

Blu Ivy Group

https://www.bluivygroup.com

More about Blu Ivy Group

Blu Ivy Group is a global leader in employer branding, organizational culture, and recruitment marketing. We help organizations across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors build extraordinary employee experiences, magnetic employer brands and high-performance cultures.

Connect with us today and let us help you transform your organization into a workplace that inspires your employees, leaders, customers, and shareholders.

Contact: [email protected]

Visit: bluivygroup.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blu-ivy-group

In this transformative episode of Blu Thread Conversations, we delve into the heart of organizational culture with Leslie Kobayashi, Vice President of Human Resources at Arbor Memorial.

Leslie discusses the pivotal role of listening to employees, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the integration of the EVP into every facet of the employee lifecycle. From engaging long-tenured employees to attracting the next generation of talent, Leslie's insights reveal the transformative impact of a well-articulated EVP on engagement, retention, and recruitment.

Key Takeaways:

- Authenticity and employee listening are key to developing an EVP that truly reflects organizational culture.

- Strategic partnerships between HR and marketing can elevate employer branding and internal culture initiatives.

- Recognition and rewards, rooted in the EVP, can significantly boost employee engagement and advocacy.

- An EVP is not just a recruitment tool but a foundational element that should permeate all aspects of the employee experience.

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📋 Episode Chapters

(04:20) Arbor Memorial is a Canadian leader in the bereavement industry

(07:01) Arbor started the process of building an employee value proposition

(08:53) Arbor listened to employees about what their why is

(10:17) The number one reason for Gen Zs to join an organization is social impact

(14:23) You've made employee testimonials a core part of Arbor's culture

(25:01) Having a strategic partnership between HR and marketing can boost your brand

(28:51) Getting executives aligned on employer brand

(31:18) Getting your EVP activated is easy once you've gone through the work

(34:19) Employee listening for an EVP is far more than recognition

(35:33) Employer brand and EVP measurement success

About Arbor Memorial:

Arbor Memorial Inc. is a Canadian company engaged in providing interment rights, cremations, funerals and associated merchandise and services to thousands of families each year across Canada.

Named as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies in 2023, taking care of people is at the heart of what we do. It’s truly fulfilling, inspiring and a responsibility we never take lightly. The care we show our customers begins with the support and teamwork we show each other.

✍️ Episode References

Arbor Memorial

http://arbormemorial.com

Arbor Memorial Careers

https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/careers/life-at-arbor.html

Blu Ivy Group

https://www.bluivygroup.com

More about Blu Ivy Group

Blu Ivy Group is a global leader in employer branding, organizational culture, and recruitment marketing. We help organizations across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors build extraordinary employee experiences, magnetic employer brands and high-performance cultures.

Connect with us today and let us help you transform your organization into a workplace that inspires your employees, leaders, customers, and shareholders.

Contact: [email protected]

Visit: bluivygroup.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blu-ivy-group

Are you striving to create an employer brand that truly stands out? In our latest episode, we sit down with Jackie Whitson, Director, Culture & Employer Brand and Tess McLeod, Associate Director, Culture-to-Brand, from ATB Financial to explore the ins and outs of building a magnetic employer brand.

They share their award-winning strategies, the importance of intentional culture, and the power of employee advocacy. Learn how ATB's approach to employer branding has led to a high-performance culture and a robust pipeline of top talent. Don't miss these invaluable insights – listen now to elevate your organization's employer brand strategy!

📋 Episode Chapters

(02:30) How ATB approaches employer branding

(06:58) ATB brings both brand and HR culture teams together to support employer brand strategy

(10:54) Activating your employer brand with intention

(13:47) How to find internal employee advocates

(15:15) ATB's employee advocate training program to empower its employees to share on social media

(18:30) ATB's advice for other CHRO and employer branding leaders

(19:42) What's next on ATB's employer brand journey

(22:33) How do you ensure your value proposition is lived internally before sharing externally

(24:45) Episode reflection for CHROs

About ATB Financial:

ATB Financial is a leading financial institution that started in Alberta, Canada that has been recognized as a Great Place To Work for the past 8 years. Today, ATB has over 5000 team members serving over 800,000 clients across our personal and business banking areas, ATB wealth management and ATB Capital Markets.

✍️ Episode References

ATB Financial

https://www.atb.com

ATB Financial Careers

https://www.atb.com/careers

ATB Financial LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/atb-financial/

ATB Financial Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/atbfinancial/

Blu Ivy Group

https://www.bluivygroup.com

More about Blu Ivy Group

Blu Ivy Group is a global leader in employer branding, organizational culture, and recruitment marketing. We help organizations across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors build extraordinary employee experiences, magnetic employer brands and high-performance cultures.

Connect with us today and let us help you transform your organization into a workplace that inspires your employees, leaders, customers, and shareholders.

Contact: [email protected]

Visit: bluivygroup.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blu-ivy-group

In today's episode of Blu Thread Conversations, we unravel the fabric of an iconic company on their journey to becoming a people-first organization with Wajax's Chief People Officer, Mark Edgar. With a storied career in HR and a passion for positive change, Mark discusses the transformative power of a strong employer brand and employee value proposition.

Learn how Wajax is navigating the complexities of employee expectations, technological advancements, and the ever-evolving landscape of work. This candid conversation offers invaluable insights for HR, brand, and communication leaders looking to weave a stronger, more resilient organizational culture.

Guest Links:

* future foHRward

* foHRsight podcast with Mark Edgar & Naomi Titleman

Episode Host:

* Leandra Harris

Episode Intro & Wrap-up:

* James Powell

📋 Episode Chapters

(00:00) Blue Thread Conversations is podcast designed for transformational leaders reshaping organizations

(02:31) Leandra: Welcome to our third podcast on Blu Thread conversations

(04:50) Mark is a recovering CHRO who joined Wajax in 2011

(06:41) Mark spent three and a half years in consulting before joining Wajax

(10:12) You've spoken about macro trends including changing employee expectations

(11:49) Mark says changing expectations are impacting the way people interact with work

(16:02) Is it achievable? Some people may say, what do you do if layoffs are necessary

(17:25) Wajax sees the important role that organizations play in society these days

(20:35) What does people-first mean at Wajax? It's something we're wrestling with

(23:30) Mark: Senior leadership making commitment to be authentic with employees is critical

(29:16) How will you engage your managers? Because they're critical stakeholder

(34:03) Leandra: How does this work fit in with overall business goals

(39:02) Mark shares his company's people first business strategy with us

More about Blu Ivy Group

Blu Ivy Group is a global leader in employer branding, organizational culture, and recruitment marketing. We help organizations across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors build extraordinary employee experiences, magnetic employer brands and high-performance cultures.

Connect with us today and let us help you transform your organization into a workplace that inspires your employees, leaders, customers, and shareholders.

Contact: [email protected]

Visit: bluivygroup.com

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blu-ivy-group