CCHL Announces New National Award Recognizing Excellence in Workforce Management

The Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) is introducing a new national award that shines a spotlight on one of the most urgent challenges facing Canada’s health systems: the sustainability, stability, and experience of the healthcare workforce. Launching as part of the 2027 CCHL National Awards Program campaign on October 1, 2026, the Operational Excellence in Workforce Management Award, sponsored by Workforce Edge Consulting & Training Inc., will honour organizations and teams that are transforming how work is organized, staffed, and supported across the continuum of care.

Developed in response to unprecedented pressures on Health h=Human Resources, the new award recognizes innovative workforce practices that strengthen employee experience while improving operational performance. Eligible initiatives may include redesigned staffing models, scheduling innovations, workload optimization, technology‑enabled workforce solutions, or other operational changes that enhance both the work environment and the delivery of care.

“Across Canada, leaders are rethinking how to support health professionals in ways that are sustainable, equitable, and grounded in operational excellence,” said Dan Gibson, Vice-President, Business Development and Corporate Affairs at CCHL. “This award fills a critical gap in our national program by celebrating organizations that are not only improving efficiency, but also creating healthier, more resilient workplaces for the people who deliver care every day.”

The award is made possible through a new three‑year partnership with Workforce Edge, a corporate member of the College and an active contributor to the College’s Corporate Advisory Council. Workforce Edge’s sponsorship reflects a shared commitment to advancing leadership practices that support the well‑being and retention of health professionals.

“Employee experience and well-being, benefits directly from high-quality workforce management practices which are foundational to the sustainability of delivery of care to Canadians ,” said Workforce Edge Managing Partner Dr. Shawn Drake.

“We are proud to partner with CCHL to recognize organizations that are leading the way in building strong, engaged, and future‑ready workforces,” explained Tila Smith, Workforce Edge Managing Partner.

John King, Chair of Workforce Edge’s National Advisory Board comments that “Our Board members have led large complex health systems and concur that stability in operations and excellence in care is best achieved when frontline staff and leaders bring their expertise forward to developing workforce strategies.”

The Operational Excellence in Workforce Management Award will be open to teams and organizations across all healthcare sectors, including hospitals, long‑term care, community health, diagnostics, home support, and emergency health services. Nominations must demonstrate measurable improvements in workforce outcomes, operational efficiency, and the maintenance or enhancement of care quality.

The inaugural call for nominations will open October 1, 2026, with submissions due February 1, 2027.