Wilson Medical Center Builds Workplace Connections that Extend Beyond Hospital Walls
(Nov. 13, 2026) – Strategies to address workforce recruitment and retention are essential to achieving optimal health in Kansas. The Workforce Strategies Award recognizes a team of employees, providers or volunteers who have made significant contributions to the well-being, retention or recruitment of health care workers at their facility.
At Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha, building a strong workplace culture means creating connections that extend beyond departments, job titles and even the hospital walls.
Revitalized in 2024, the hospital's Employee Morale Group brings together more than 10 employees from clinical, ancillary and non-clinical departments. Unlike traditional employee engagement committees, the group is led by frontline employees who understand the importance of fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and connected.
"In a rural hospital, every employee plays an important role, but many don't have opportunities to interact with coworkers outside their departments," said Erica Johnson, director of marketing. "We're creating experiences that bring people together and strengthen those relationships."
The group organizes monthly appreciation events, employee recognition activities, birthday celebrations and Hospital Week festivities. Its annual Family Night brings employees, spouses, children and community members together for food, games and entertainment.
Community involvement is equally important. Partnerships with local schools, businesses and organizations create opportunities for third-grade students to tour the hospital, exchange holiday cards with employees and participate in community celebrations. Local businesses and food vendors also support employee events.
"These activities help employees see their coworkers in a different setting while strengthening the hospital's connection to the community we serve," Johnson said.
Participation continues to grow, with employees building cross-departmental relationships and inviting family members to join activities. These efforts also support recruitment, as employees increasingly recommend Wilson Medical Center to friends and family.
"When employees feel appreciated and connected, they become some of our strongest advocates," Johnson said. "That sense of belonging helps us build a workplace where people want to stay."
The group's efforts demonstrate that employee-led engagement can strengthen teamwork, community relationships and workforce retention.
--Shelby Stacy