Case Study: Ohio Living achieves lower hospital readmission rates with O.C. Tanner employee recognition

How one healthcare company lowered hospital readmission rates with a great workplace culture

Ohio Living, a nonprofit healthcare provider for seniors, faced the common industry challenge of keeping morale and culture strong amid long hours and high-stakes care. Under Chief Human Resources & Ethics Officer Dana Ullom-Vucelich, the organization partnered with O.C. Tanner to prioritize an employee-first culture built around consistent recognition, training, and a culture-focused orientation program.

The solution — a structured recognition program used daily and during career milestones, manager training, and a culture-focused onboarding day — aligned staff with Ohio Living’s mission and boosted engagement. The results were measurable: extraordinary ROI, higher quality outcomes, more 5-star ratings, fewer infections, one of the state’s lowest readmission rates, and improved retention and patient satisfaction.

Ohio Living

Dana Ullom-Vucelich

Chief Human Resources & Ethics Officer