Caitlin McCollum

Senior living organizations invest significant time and resources into improving employee engagement, strengthening culture, and increasing retention. While these efforts often include new programs, policies, and initiatives, one of the greatest influences on the employee experience is something far less tangible: the everyday actions of leaders.


This session challenges executive leaders to rethink employee experience as a leadership strategy rather than an HR initiative. Drawing on real-world lessons from building an Associate Experience function within a multi-site senior living organization, participants will explore how leaders shape the moments that matter most, from onboarding and communication to coaching, recognition, development, and trust.


Rather than introducing another program to implement, this session focuses on the leadership behaviors that create workplaces where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work. Attendees will examine practical examples, identify opportunities to strengthen leadership at every level of their organization, and leave with actionable strategies they can immediately apply to improve the employee experience.


When leaders intentionally create the conditions for people to thrive, stronger engagement, healthier organizational culture, and improved retention become the natural result.