A recent study indicates a sharp decline in the number of migrants seeking work abroad as a result of the global recession. The research shows that the number of immigrants moving to the United States has fallen by 40% since 2006. WOW! Now I guess we can put off funding for that big ol' fence. I'm sure there are a few small businesses that could use that extra cash to keep the doors open. The study also noted that the financial crisis has not prompted a mass return home either. Therefore, big brother healthcare should remain on the forefront of policy so we can care for all the illegals that are still here.

Sorry to sound so insensitive. But it is a bit of good news, right? And we can all use a little more of it. Well, there is this too. Geico must be making a ton on money. Between the lizard and the caveman commercials, they're spending a gazillion dollars on advertising. By chance, are they run by the fed??

Dale Hannegan
www.radsciences.com
www.mymedport.com

I have many friends who own and operate small businesses, and it seems that all of them are struggling to keep them alive in the current recession. Some have already gone under and my best friend may be losing his business after 10 years of working 12 hour days to establish himself in a competitive industry. But for some reason, they all think healthcare is the place to be when the economy turns soft. They ask me about my business and seem surprised when I tell them that hospitals are struggling too. I guess it's just ignorance.

I work with dozens of hospitals across the country and most of them are singing the same tune. Postponed equipment upgrades, delayed projects, layoffs and a whole list of internal problems related to the current economy. My job is to work with healthcare leaders to identify and develop top talent for their organizations. Do you think my business is affected? Well sure. While people (actually the right people) are a companies number one asset, budgets for training, leadership development and recruitment planning seem to be the first to be cut. At least that's what many HR leaders tell me. Advertising budgets are reduced, training is postponed and positions are eliminated.

While I tend to agree with many of these cuts (sorry HR), I believe that budgets for organizational development (OD) should be spared at all cost. Studies show that a well-structured OD plan helps with patient satisfaction and employee engagement during tough times.

The bottom line is, you cannot make a sick patient who lost his employer paid insurance during a layoff come to your hospital. But you can work to create a positive, engaged workforce through regular training and direct interaction. Leaders, please do not separate yourself during these tough times. Get out on the floor and work with your teams at the staff level. Show them you care, ask for their ideas and listen.

Dale Hannegan
www.radsciences.com
www.mymedport.com