Understanding the "Why": The Key to Engaging and Elevating Healthcare Workers

In healthcare, we often talk about policies, protocols, and performance metrics. We measure success by patient outcomes, safety indicators, and financial efficiency. Yet, one of the most powerful levers for improving healthcare rarely shows up in strategy meetings or administrative dashboards, understanding the motivation behind why our people chose this path in the first place [1].

Behind every nurse, paramedic, respiratory therapist, or physiotherapist is a story, a moment, a loss, a personal experience, or a deep-seated calling that led them to this profession. When we understand the “why” that drives them, we unlock a powerful resource that not only fuels individual growth but can transform the entire healthcare system [2].

The Heart Behind the Uniform

No one becomes a paramedic for the glory. Few become nurses because of the paycheck. Respiratory therapists aren’t driven by recognition, and physiotherapists rarely get into the field for fame. These are professions of service, of sacrifice, of humanity.

Some were inspired by watching a loved one survive, or not survive, a critical illness. Others were motivated by a fascination with the human body or a desire to relieve suffering. Many were called by a moment of clarity when they realized they could be the difference in someone’s worst day.

This inner motivation is what keeps them going through 12-hour shifts, traumatic events, system failures, and emotional fatigue [3]. It’s what allows them to put on scrubs, uniforms, and smile day after day.

Why Understanding the “Why” Matters

Leaders who take time to learn what drives their team members are far more likely to foster meaningful engagement. Here's how:

1. Increased Retention: Employees who feel seen and understood are less likely to burn out or walk away from the profession. Recognition of their personal mission creates a deeper connection to the organization [4].
2. Stronger Team Culture: When people feel their values are respected, they are more likely to collaborate, support one another, and cultivate empathy, both for each other and their patients [5].
3. Authentic Leadership: Leaders who ask, "Why did you choose this field?" show genuine curiosity and care, which enhances trust. That trust builds a foundation for growth, change, and innovation [6].
4. Improved Patient Outcomes: When healthcare workers feel connected to their purpose, they are more likely to go the extra mile for patients, not because they’re told to, but because they’re compelled to [7].

A System That Reflects Their Purpose

If we want to improve healthcare, we can’t just throw more policies, KPIs, or external motivators at people. We need to build systems that:

• Reflect the values and humanity of the professionals within them
• Empower staff to pursue continuous growth rooted in their personal motivations
• Offer space for reflection, resilience, and re-connection to the reasons they joined

Imagine a hospital that regularly invites staff to share their "why" stories. Picture an EMS agency that trains supervisors to mentor based on personal goals and values. Consider how different engagement strategies would look if they weren’t based solely on performance reviews but on understanding the individual’s why [8].

The Impact on the Patient

Ultimately, when we empower and engage healthcare workers through the lens of their original motivation, we see a ripple effect: our patients receive care that is more compassionate, more consistent, and more human [9].

Because the truth is, patients don’t remember our metrics. They remember how they were made to feel. And that starts with healthcare workers who feel seen, valued, and connected to their purpose.

Call to Action

If you're a healthcare leader, educator, or colleague, ask someone today why they chose this path. And if you're in the field yourself, revisit your why. Hold it close. Let it guide you.

Healthcare doesn’t improve by accident. It improves when we start with the human behind the role, when we nurture their passion and honor their purpose.

Because when we understand the why, we unlock the how to make healthcare better, for everyone.

References

1. Shanafelt TD, et al. (2015). “Impact of Organizational Leadership on Physician Burnout and Satisfaction.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 90(4), 432-440.
2. Pink, D. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Riverhead Books.
3. West CP, Dyrbye LN, Shanafelt TD. (2018). “Physician burnout: contributors, consequences and solutions.” J Intern Med., 283(6):516–529.
4. Laschinger HKS, et al. (2009). “The impact of emotional intelligence on staff nurse empowerment and organizational commitment.” Journal of Nursing Administration, 39(2):46-52.
5. Goleman, D. (2006). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam.
6. Kouzes JM, Posner BZ. (2017). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations. Wiley.
7. Epstein RM, Street RL. (2011). “The values and value of patient-centered care.” Ann Fam Med, 9(2):100-103.
8. Bodenheimer T, Sinsky C. (2014). “From Triple to Quadruple Aim: Care of the Patient Requires Care of the Provider.” Ann Fam Med, 12(6):573-576.
9. Deloitte Insights. (2019). “Purpose-driven companies evolve faster and perform better.” https://www2.deloitte.com/insights