In this week’s impactful episode of the Healthcare Experience Matters Podcast, we delve into the core aspects of fostering a culture of belonging. Belonging should be an unwavering cultural value, as we firmly believe it leads to a more engaged healthcare workforce, instilling a deeper sense of purpose for all involved.

Ultimately, building a culture of belonging entails creating an environment where team members and staff eagerly contribute, and where we would confidently entrust the care of our loved ones.

Joining us for this insightful interview is Jim Kinsey, FPCC, PLCC, CDP, alongside Healthcare Experience Foundation co-founder and president Katie Owens, MHA, CPXP. Jim is a national expert in person-centered care and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), particularly focusing on fostering belonging and developing strategies for employee and team engagement.

With a 30-year career in healthcare, encompassing roles as a bedside nurse and in management and leadership, Jim has dedicated the past 18 years to consulting and creating person-centered care environments in both long-term and acute care settings, ranging from small rural critical access hospitals to large urban healthcare systems.

We are thrilled to welcome Jim as a first-time guest on the HX Matters Podcast and eagerly anticipate many more enlightening discussions in future episodes of our show.

The Components of Belonging

The conversation kicks off with an exploration of the three key components of belonging: psychological safety, meaningfulness, and availability. Jim explains how psychological safety, the foundation of inclusive cultures, encompasses respect, trust, and the freedom to express oneself without fear of judgment.

However, he emphasizes that true engagement requires more than just safety—it demands meaningful work aligned with personal values and a supportive environment that recognizes individuals’ holistic needs.

As Jim delves deeper into the discussion, he connects these aspects of belonging to actionable strategies for healthcare leaders. He highlights the importance of fostering a compelling direction—a shared vision co-designed by team members that reflects organizational values and goals.

Moreover, building team insight and cultivating supportive are essential for promoting psychological availability and safety.

The challenges healthcare leaders face in prioritizing belonging within their organizations are a key aspect of this conversation and cannot be ignored. The implication of these tactics is downright challenging, and we must acknowledge that.

Amidst competing priorities and unfamiliarity with inclusion strategies, leaders may hesitate to embark on the journey of cultural transformation. However, Jim’s insights shed light on the transformative power of inclusion, emphasizing its role as a lever for driving positive outcomes across healthcare settings.

The Tactics of Belonging

As this podcast continues, both Jim and Katie discuss practical tactics for fostering belonging within teams, from creating team charters and rules of engagement to promoting empathy and positive communication.

By encouraging behaviors that prioritize inclusion and discouraging divisive practices, leaders can create environments where every individual feels valued and respected.

This conversation serves as a rallying cry for healthcare leaders to prioritize belonging as a fundamental pillar of organizational culture.

Through intentional efforts to cultivate psychological safety, meaningful work, and supportive environments, healthcare organizations can create spaces where every member of the team feels a sense of belonging and purpose.

As this week’s podcast episode draws to a close, listeners are left with a renewed sense of purpose and a call to action—to champion belonging in their own healthcare organizations and pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate future.

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Compassion & Empathy, Culture, DEI