Chicago – October 17, 2026 -- Early-tenure attrition at key Advocate Health sites fell from more than 70% to as low as 16% after the system added coaching for new hires. The result is one of several outcomes in a Brandon Hall Group review of 27 HCM Excellence Awards Excellence in Practice blueprints from 11 patient-care organizations. The firm presented the review at the WMHH Summit in Chicago.
Ascension and Acibadem tie human skills to observable behaviors
Ascension's Elevated Service Actions initiative translated service commitments into six observable behaviors. Leaders reinforced one behavior per month through huddles, staff meetings and coaching. The case reported a 13-point improvement in care team responsiveness and nearly five points in clinician interaction scores.
Acibadem Healthcare Group built simulation scenarios from actual patient complaints for 2,268 Patient Services employees across 22 hospitals. Employees practiced empathy and communication under conditions that mirrored the pressure of their work.
IHH Healthcare builds a separate manager pathway for safety reporting
IHH Healthcare's Speak Up for Safety program trains managers to receive concerns professionally, give feedback, follow up and protect employees from retaliation. Brandon Hall Group noted that the Acibadem case also showed the value of investing in managers as coaches alongside the learning content itself.
AI and administrative-burden priorities raise job-design questions for HR
Attendee priorities included AI education, reduced administrative burden and improved staff efficiency. Brandon Hall Group said organizations will need to reconsider responsibilities, skills and performance expectations as technology changes tasks. It framed one early question for leaders: what will staff do with the time technology gives back? Possible answers include more patient interaction and stronger coordination, but the firm said these gains require deliberate decisions on workflows and staffing.
Advocate Health's leader program reports 87% conversion or internal mobility
Retirement, succession and early-tenure retention were also among attendee priorities. Advocate Health's Emerging Leader Program combines training in feedback, emotional intelligence and collaboration with mentoring and applied projects. Its case reported 87% conversion or internal mobility among graduates.
Teammate Success Coaching traces departures to transport, childcare, housing and finances
Advocate Health's Teammate Success Coaching found that departures attributed to personal reasons could reflect difficulties with transportation, childcare, housing or finances. Coaches identified barriers during an employee's first 90 days and coordinated practical assistance. Early-tenure attrition fell from more than 70% to as low as 16% in key participating sites. Brandon Hall Group cautioned that the results are specific to those settings.
Oak Street Health's peer coaching cuts first-year provider turnover 15%
Oak Street Health's PROPEL Coaching Program identified potential burnout and paired providers with experienced peer coaches. Managers and coaches worked together on workflow barriers and support needs. The case reported a 15% reduction in first-year provider turnover, and 92% of leaders reported improved performance. Brandon Hall Group noted that these figures measure retention and performance, not a measured reduction in burnout.