Carol Nutter
Chief People Officer, Claritev

Healthcare is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. Advances in artificial intelligence, rising cost pressures, evolving workforce expectations, and growing system complexity are reshaping how care is delivered and experienced.

But amid all of this change, one truth remains constant: the future of healthcare will be determined not just by technology, but by people.

Engagement is not a soft metric. It is a strategic imperative.

According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace Report, only 21% of employees globally and 31% in the United States are fully engaged at work, underscoring a growing challenge for organizations navigating transformation.

At the same time, KPMG research shows that 73% of CEOs cite talent retention as a top risk to long-term growth, reinforcing that workforce engagement is now a defining business priority.

In healthcare, where workforce capability directly influences access, affordability, and innovation for patients, engagement is essential to strengthening the system itself.

Engagement enables innovation in a rapidly evolving healthcare system

Healthcare organizations are investing heavily in AI, predictive analytics, and digital platforms to improve transparency, reduce administrative complexity, and enhance decision-making. But technology alone cannot drive transformation. Progress depends on people who are empowered to adopt new tools, develop new capabilities, and continuously improve how work gets done.

Research consistently shows that engaged employees are more productive, more innovative, and more likely to contribute to organizational progress. In healthcare technology, this kind of engagement accelerates innovation that improves efficiency, lowers costs, and delivers better outcomes.

At Claritev, engagement begins with preparing our workforce for the future. Through our Work Forward strategy and implementation of Oracle Fusion HCM, we are creating a more connected, digitally enabled workforce with modern tools, clearer career pathways, and improved coordination between individual contributions and organizational priorities. By reducing friction and improving access to information, our employees can focus on solving healthcare’s most complex challenges.

Engagement strengthens resilience and long-term performance

Healthcare operates in an environment defined by urgency, complexity, and constant change. KPMG research highlights that organizations must invest in workforce resilience and capability to remain competitive in periods of transformation. When employees feel supported, understand their purpose, and see opportunities for growth, they are better equipped to navigate change and sustain performance.

At Claritev, our vision to make healthcare more affordable, transparent, and fair for all, provides a powerful foundation for engagement. We reinforce this by investing in leadership development, global talent expansion, and programs like our Technology Leadership Program, which equips early-career professionals with the experience and mentorship needed to help shape the future of healthcare technology.

These investments strengthen engagement by demonstrating a clear commitment to employee growth and long-term success.

Engagement supports affordability and smarter healthcare investment

Healthcare affordability remains one of the most pressing challenges facing employers, healthcare organizations, and consumers alike. Addressing this challenge requires not only technology and data, but an engaged workforce capable of applying insights effectively.

KPMG research shows that organizations using people analytics and workforce insights are better positioned to improve engagement, retention, and performance. At Claritev, we apply this same data-driven focus internally. By leveraging predictive analytics, we designed our 2026 benefits strategy to meet employee needs while avoiding healthcare premium increases, at a time when costs are rising across the industry.

We are also expanding equity participation and career development pathways to strengthen consistency across individual contributions and long-term company performance, reinforcing ownership and engagement.

Clarity in Action

To meet the demands of a rapidly evolving healthcare system, we must invest in what makes transformation possible: an engaged workforce with the clarity, tools, and support to lead through change.

No single organization can solve healthcare challenges alone. But together — across providers, payers, employers, and innovators — we can build a system where technology and data accelerate progress because people are empowered to use them effectively.

If we stay committed to engagement as a strategic priority, we can move healthcare forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose — making it more transparent, more affordable, and more effective for everyone.