By Matthew Murphy, Vitals contributor

According to a recent Gallup poll, employees’ long-term commitment to their organizations is the lowest it has been in nine years, showing a continued evolution of workplace dynamics since the Great Resignation.

But California-based Sutter Health is bucking the trend. The not-for-profit health system has reduced employee turnover by nearly 40% over the past two years. This is a notable milestone that Chief Human Resources Officer Deborah Yount says reflects a deeper shift toward a more accountable, employee-centric culture.

In a recent episode of the Modern People Leader podcast, Yount shared how the organization is building one of the best places to work in the industry — and why people are at the center of every decision. Behind every milestone, she noted, is a workforce strategy grounded in Sutter’s “patients first, people always” mission.

“We want to create an environment where our employees can thrive every day,” she said.

Since joining the organization, Yount has helped accelerate this progress, focusing on strengthening onboarding, reducing early-tenure attrition and equipping frontline leaders to better support their teams day to day.

That progress, she explained, stems from leadership accountability, culture and a commitment to listening deeply to employees.

Listen to the full episode to hear Yount’s insights on building a flourishing, mission‑driven team.