Kelly Emrick MBA, PhD.

Books, Blogs, and Podcasts According to a recent Gallup poll, U.S. employee engagement dropped to 31%—its lowest point in a decade—matching levels last observed in 2014. At the same time, the percentage of actively disengaged employees rose to 17%, also echoing figures from 2014. This represents a two-point decline since 2023 and continues the downward trend after engagement peaked at 36% in 2020.  Gallup’s survey pinpoints three key factors behind the decrease in engagement: (1) diminishing clarity of job expectations, (2) reduced perception that someone at work genuinely cares about employees, and (3) fewer instances of encouragement for professional development. These elements are essential for creating a supportive and growth-oriented workplace. Managers directly responsible for setting clear expectations, showing care, and promoting development are themselves struggling—with only 31% reporting high engagement. The negative trend is especially pronounced among younger employee...

  Books, Blogs, and Podcasts From July 1, 2024 – to December 31, 2024, I conducted a complex meta-analysis of over 100 peer-reviewed articles to identify the top five indicators suggesting healthcare leaders' success. From my research, I propose the following top indicators—(1) visionary and strategic thinking, (2) interpersonal and communication competence, (3) ethical and compassionate conduct, (4) commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, and (5) focus on quality and safety—drawing on empirical evidence, theoretical frameworks, and recent peer-reviewed studies to illustrate the salience of each indicator. Interestingly, I hypothesize that a more robust financial bottom line follows if these indicators are done harmoniously. Many of these studies have consistently shown that healthcare leadership remains essential in shaping clinical outcomes, organizational structures, and strategic initiatives across complex and diverse organizational settings. Healthcare leaders often nav...

  Books, Podcasts, and Articles In this week's educational series, I provide my analysis of a survey conducted by The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). What is “ The Cognitive Decline  Module ?” The survey is a critical public health tool designed to monitor the prevalence and impact of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in adults aged 45 years and older. Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with national experts, the module provides invaluable insights into how cognitive changes, such as confusion and memory loss, affect individuals and communities. Its focus extends beyond occasional forgetfulness, addressing cognitive issues that interfere with daily life and necessitate public health interventions. The survey serves several overarching goals. First, it enables states to estimate the prevalence of SCD and associated limitations, offering actionable data for resource allocation and program development. Second, ...