Recruitment and Retention: Strategies to Attract and Retain a Diverse Workforce
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Recruitment and Retention: Strategies to Attract and Retain a Diverse Workforce
Dr. Ruth Shoge authors
August edition of Cultural Responsiveness Blog
The August edition of the “Cultural Responsiveness” blog by Latinos en Optometry and sponsored by VSP Vision features an insightful article written by Ruth Shoge, OD, MPH, FAAO, Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Clinical Professor at the UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science in Berkeley, CA.
In the blog, Dr. Shoge explores how optometry practices can more effectively recruit and retain a diverse pool of employees, helping to build a workforce that reflects—and better serves—the communities around them.
“When it comes to recruiting great doctors and staff, the goal shouldn’t be to simply check boxes,” says Dr. Shoge. “It’s about creating a space that feels welcoming to all employees, as well as to the patients receiving care.”
She encourages optometrists to take a step back from their role as practice owners or managers and instead try to see their office through the eyes of a first-time patient or job candidate. “What do they see when they walk through your front door—or scroll through your social media?”
Dr. Shoge also emphasizes that retaining employees requires more than good intentions. “Employees want to feel the authenticity behind your promises of inclusion,” she says. “Being able to demonstrate that your practice lives the values you promote is key to attracting—and keeping—top talent.”
Dr. Shoge’s blog is available on the Latinos en Optometry website at https://latinosenoptometry.org/news/cultural-responsiveness/
About the Cultural Responsiveness Blog
Latinos en Optometry has partnered with VSP Vision™ to create the Cultural Responsiveness blog series. This collaborative initiative aims to assist current and future practitioners in recognizing the significance of healthcare services that cater to the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of patients. Non-members of Latinos en Optometry who are interested in accessing the complimentary blog can subscribe at https://latinosenoptometry.org/newsletter/
