Building a winning lineup isn’t just for the ballpark!

What happens when you bring lifelong baseball fans together to talk workforce management? You get a conversation that proves great teams are built on the same fundamentals, whether they’re built in a board room or at the ballpark.

In this upcoming episode of the Workforce On Deck podcast, special guests Eric Hoffman and Corey Cutler join co-hosts Dr. Sarah Inman and Vince Jackson to explore how the strategies that drive championship teams also drive thriving organizations.

They talk about:

• Farm systems and talent pipelines, and why investing in growth creates loyalty.
• Clubhouse culture and how it mirrors the employee experience.
• When to scout and when to trade so you can make smart decisions about your roster.
• How data should guide you, but your people are the ones who win the game.

It’s a fun, insightful reminder that workforce management isn’t just about filling shifts. It’s about creating a culture, a strategy, and a lineup where people can do their best work - something UKG helps organizations achieve every day. Because whether it’s baseball or business, the real game is about people.

Episode 2 of the Workforce Management Strategy Series with guest Mick DeAngelo explores the root causes of staffing challenges in healthcare and practical steps to address recruiting, vacancy management, and resource planning. The hosts discuss building long-term talent pipelines, upskilling internal staff, rethinking skill mix, and using data and technology effectively.

They emphasize a combined short‑term and long‑term approach: invest in retention and training, align HR with executive strategy, modernize budgeting and systems, and test innovative solutions tailored to rural and metro settings to improve patient care and financial outcomes.

In this episode, host Vince Jackson and guests Dr. Sarah Inman and Mickey D'Angelo explore a holistic workforce strategy for healthcare — covering planning, scheduling, retention, technology, and the financial and patient-care impacts of poor workforce management.

They discuss real-world examples, leadership roles, the value of data and forecasting, and why cross-functional collaboration and evidence-based change are essential to build sustainable staffing solutions.

Introducing a special 5-part healthcare series “The Workforce Management Journey” - in collaboration with Andgo and the Talking Shift podcast.

Healthcare is facing unprecedented workforce challenges. Vacancies, burnout, compliance risks, and rising labor costs are converging into a perfect storm that no single staffing strategy can solve. What’s needed isn’t just another quick fix: it’s a holistic workforce management strategy. But despite so many organizations dealing with these challenges, we found very few avenues where people could come together, talk about their challenges, and work together on a solution that would impact the entire industry. As two long-time experts in the healthcare workforce management space, we (Dr. Sarah Inman and Mickey DeAngelo) are having the same conversations every time we walk into a new organization: people ask what we are hearing, what we are seeing, and what they can do to make different decisions for their patients AND staff.

That’s why we’re launching The Workforce Management Journey series, designed to take leaders, clinicians, and workforce innovators through the realities of modern healthcare management. And trust us – we are taking this WAY beyond staffing. Across five episodes, we’ll explore why a comprehensive workforce strategy matters, what pitfalls to avoid, and how technology, data, and leadership can transform workforce management from a reactive scramble into a proactive system that truly supports patient care and caregiver well-being.

This series is about rethinking the fundamentals: planning, recruiting, scheduling, timekeeping, and analytics. We’ll bring together healthcare executives, clinicians, and workforce experts to unpack the hidden staffing problems, share real-world lessons, and spotlight the tools and strategies that are making a measurable difference

In this episode of Workforce on Deck, hosts Vince Jackson and Dr. Sarah Inman sit down with special guest Nathalie Gentile, Director of Product Management at Zaddons. Nathalie shares her unique journey into the world of scheduling and workforce management, highlighting how her passion for solving complex puzzles led her into this field. They discuss common challenges in scheduling and staffing across industries like retail and healthcare, emphasizing the importance of simplifying processes and improving flexibility for employees.

Nathalie also dives into the impact of technological advancements, particularly mobile scheduling apps, and how they have significantly enhanced employee engagement and retention. The conversation touches on differences between U.S. and Canadian scheduling practices, the critical role of seniority in Canadian healthcare scheduling, and the importance of steady staffing in long-term care settings.

The trio explores emerging trends, including the supportive role of AI in workforce management and the ongoing challenge of staffing shortages in healthcare. Nathalie emphasizes the necessity of clearly understanding current processes to successfully implement effective solutions.

This insightful conversation is packed with valuable perspectives on improving scheduling efficiency, leveraging technology, and addressing staffing challenges across industries.

In this episode of Workforce on Deck, Improv's Dr. Sarah Inman and Vince Jackson sat down at UKG Aspire with TestAssure's VP of Sales, Austin Gritters, and (now) Chief Revenue Officer at Workerbee, Dylan Riley. Workerbee is a partner offering of TestAssure, connecting companies with on-demand, pre-vetted corporate software experts facilitating flexible engagements for various software needs.

They dive into some of the challenges around testing at all phases of a WFM implementation and discuss how automated testing can assist with identifying and resolving issues, allowing a quicker and more solid implementation. If you want to be more confident in your implementation and reduce risk, it is worth a listen!!

Click Here to Check out Improv

TestAssure is a comprehensive automated testing platform for your WFM solution. Test faster, go live sooner, and maintain ongoing pay compliance.

TestAssure has been in the WFM space for over 20 years. Their innovative testing automation tool eliminates manual testing bottlenecks and streamlines disruptive updates. With TestAssure's subscription-based model, change isn't a challenge — it’s your opportunity for growth. In our constantly evolving industry, we at Improv believe you deserve the freedom to adapt to change on your terms and achieve your unique version of success at any time.

Alongside TestAssure, Improv is committed to making a positive impact — not just on an organization’s software and systems, but on its people. Avoid legal risks, set a higher industry standard, and build a happier, more successful workforce through accelerated go-lives and enhanced operational efficiency.

Automated testing with TestAssure & Improv gets you there!

Click Here to Check out Test Assure

*Note: Podcast recorded November 2024. Dylan is no longer the CRO at TestAssure and now serves as the CRO at Workerbee.

In this episode of Workforce on Deck, Improv's Dr. Sarah Inman, Vince Jackson, and repeat guest Meredith Johnson explore common post-implementation challenges organizations encounter after WFM and HCM software go-live. They discuss frequent issues such as user adoption difficulties, unforeseen configuration challenges, and the challenging transition from dedicated implementation support to standard vendor support.

The conversation highlights the significant value Concierge Care support services offer, emphasizing personalized assistance, quicker response times, and strategic guidance. The team underscores the importance of proactive planning and regular evaluations to ensure continued system effectiveness and organizational efficiency.

Listeners will also learn about real-world examples demonstrating how dedicated support services have helped organizations quickly address critical issues, improve system utilization, and avoid costly compliance pitfalls. The discussion sets the stage for future episodes addressing the evolving landscape of managed services and strategic support services.

Click Here to Check out Improv

The tables are turned: Dr. Inman interviews Vince, delving into the world of retail and exploring Vince’s professional journey, technology, best practices, culture, and more. They share real-life examples and offer insights that others can adopt and adapt. As always, the conversation comes back to workforce management—and how harnessing insights and technology ultimately provides the tools you need to drive success for yourself and your business.