McKnight's Senior Living Newsmakers Podcast with Denise Boudreau-Scott

Culture defines how an organization operates, whereas engagement reflects how employees feel about that environment, making culture the primary driver of organizational success. Denise Boudreau-Scott, president of DRIVE, emphasizes that senior living communities must prioritize culture to improve retention and recruitment. Research demonstrates a significant link between organizational health and performance, with high-performing cultures achieving 94% average occupancy compared to 66% in struggling environments. Leaders should audit their hiring processes to ensure they reflect their unique organizational values, as simple operational failures—such as unclear onboarding schedules—often drive away new talent. By fostering a culture where staff feel genuinely valued through storytelling and meaningful recognition of referrals, organizations can effectively differentiate themselves from other industries and stabilize their workforce.