Women leaders join the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST to become part of a collective and dynamic force in health care. They know we can elevate the career potential of our members by providing meaningful professional development and networking opportunities. And in turn, our members help improve the TRUST through constructive feedback, including our annual member survey.
Earlier this year, we heard directly from our members and wanted to share some examples of what we learned from our member feedback.
While most TRUST members have been with the organization for four years or less, most members have 15 or more years of health care experience.
What this means: The TRUST is attracting experienced women health care leaders; however, we have room to enhance our outreach to attract emerging or rising leaders earlier in their careers. We can also improve the longevity of membership.
Members report networking provides the greatest value and drives their continued participation. More than 50% of members who responded to the survey are very or moderately satisfied with the ability to meet and network with women in health care. Respondents noted they love “connections with other women in health care” and “access to online seminars/content.” They also appreciated the “openness of the membership and the whole TRUST community” and felt “the mentorship program was fantastic.”
What this means: Networking within the health care industry is a significant reason women join and renew their memberships. Unfortunately, the pandemic halted our regular in-person networking events. We are already planning a return to in-person and hybrid networking opportunities and hope to have more to share shortly.
More than 60% of members attended at least one virtual event in 2020. When asked for program recommendations, ¾ of members requested more educational programs and events as well as special interest groups such as book clubs or small group networking for young professional.
What this means: In particular, the TRUST recognizes the need to increase our health care education programs in addition to some smaller special interest groups. We’re currently discussing options for late 2021 and 2022.
Members gave the TRUST high marks for a quick and successful pivot to virtual formats during the pandemic. 82% are likely to renew their membership, and nearly 90% report they are likely to recommend the TRUST to other women in health care.
What this means: While satisfaction with networking fell compared to the 2019 member survey, satisfaction with programming and the likelihood of recommending the TRUST have risen. Many of us understand the challenging road COVID-19 presented and we’ve yearned to return to the in-person connections we crave. As one respondent noted, “Very satisfied with how the TRUST has pivoted in the pandemic environment that has forced virtual interactions. Excited for the day live events will be possible again.”
Thank you again to all TRUST members who responded to the member survey. We heard you and appreciated your feedback that allows us to make improvements to the organization. Together, we can enhance how you connect with TRUST peers, reinforce your knowledge, advance your skills and elevate women throughout the health care industry.