Podcast
The Workforce on Deck Podcast
Hosted by Improv · EN
Join Hosts and industry thought leaders Vince Jackson and Dr. Sarah Inman as we discuss all things related to workforce management and HCM across all industries. Nothing is off limits and we will cover today’s current trends and challenges as dive deep into Process, Technology and Strategy. Want to ask questions or provide feedback on some ideas for future shows, please email us at info@improvizations.com.
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Workforce Management Journey Series: Episode 4
1w ago00:38:21Tap to summarizeVince Jackson, co-host Dr. Sarah Inman, and guest Mickey DeAngelo dive into functional vacancies—the hidden staffing problem where teams look fully staffed on paper but are short in practice due to PTO, leaves, training, meetings, turnover and other nonproductive time. Hosts and guest experts walk through how to measure and budget for this shrinkage, match filling strategies (PRNs, float pools, agency) to absence types, and use data and proactive planning to reduce burnout, control costs, and keep care staffed.
Transcribe →Traxxion: Reimagining Workforce Management for the Frontline
4w ago00:45:46Tap to summarizeVince and Dr. Sarah are joined by Traxxion co-founders Jim Jensen and Kevin Istre for a candid conversation about what's broken in workforce management and what a purpose-built fix actually looks like. From intuitive design that needs zero training to seamless integrations that eliminate manual workarounds, Jim and Kevin share how Traxxion is rethinking WFM from the ground up. The conversation also digs into their vision for assistive AI: intelligent demand forecasting, real-time compliance, and autonomous scheduling, all within guardrails that keep empathy and human judgment at the center.
Transcribe →The Workforce Management Journey Series: Episode 3
Apr 800:46:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Vince Jackson and co-host Dr. Sarah Inman are joined by Mickey DeAngelo to examine healthcare scheduling—its effects on patient care, staff well-being, and organizational finances. They unpack common emotional objections, the need for evidence-based planning, and the benefits of forecasting, balanced schedules, and self-scheduling options. The conversation highlights practical steps: use data and modeling to demonstrate impact, establish governance and KPIs to measure outcomes, and align people, process, and technology for continuous improvement. Listeners will take away strategies to reduce overtime, lower turnover, and create more resilient staffing models.
Transcribe →Workforce On Deck 2506 - WFM Lessons from Baseball
Mar 2100:48:31Tap to summarizeBuilding 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.
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The Workforce Management Journey Series: Episode 2
Mar 500:46:57Tap to summarizeEpisode 2 of the Workforce Management Strategy Series with guest Mickey 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.
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The Workforce Management Journey Series: Episode 1
Feb 500:48:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Vince Jackson and guests Dr. Sarah Inman and Mickey DeAngelo 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.
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The Workforce Management Journey Series: Intro
Jan 1500:34:24Tap to summarizeIntroducing 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
Transcribe →Workforce On Deck 2505 - Simplifying Scheduling: Solving Workforce Puzzles
Jun 1200:45:01Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Workforce On Deck 2501 - Guest: Test Assure with Dylan and Austin
Apr 15, 202500:23:11Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Workforce On Deck Podcast 2504 - Post Implementation Pittfalls
Apr 8, 202500:43:53Tap to summarizeIn 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
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