Spear's Winning Formula: How Treating Employee Experience as a Core Strategy Drives Recruitment and Retention

As the war for top talent intensifies in the healthcare industry, Spear Physical & Occupational Therapy has emerged as a shining example of how prioritizing employee experience can drive recruitment and retention. According to Chief People Officer Stef Bloom, the key to Spear's success lies in treating employee experience as a core business strategy, rather than a passive HR initiative.

In a tight labor market where competitors frequently attempt to win talent through sign-on bonuses, Spear's approach is centered around recognizing the critical distinction between healthcare and other industries. 'In healthcare, there is no product,' Bloom emphasizes. 'They are the brand. They are the service that our patients are experiencing, and so making sure that we are finding and retaining top talent is just critically important for our patients and for our business.'

By adopting this strategic approach, Spear has successfully scaled its footprint across more than 80 locations, despite the challenges posed by high turnover rates in the healthcare industry. According to the 2026 NSI National Health Care Retention Report, national hospital turnover sits at 18.5%, with voluntary resignations accounting for nearly 95% of all departures.

HR executives, recruiters, and professionals can learn valuable lessons from Spear's success. By prioritizing employee experience and treating it as a core business strategy, organizations can create a competitive advantage in the war for top talent. This approach requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the healthcare industry, as well as a commitment to creating a positive and supportive work environment that attracts and retains top talent.

In conclusion, Spear's winning formula is a testament to the power of prioritizing employee experience in the healthcare industry. By recognizing the critical distinction between healthcare and other industries, and treating employee experience as a core business strategy, organizations can drive recruitment and retention, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for patients and customers.