Strategies for perioperative leaders to build a diverse workforce

In perioperative care, high-performing teams are critical to patient safety and workflow efficiency. Diversity in hiring is not only a matter of compliance—it directly influences care quality, communication, and innovation. A diverse healthcare workforce reflects the varied backgrounds of patients, which builds trust and cultural competency. Research shows that when patients receive care from professionals who understand their cultural and linguistic needs, they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and feel satisfied with their care. This concept is bolstered by the National CLAS Standards developed by the Office of Minority Health, which outline how culturally and linguistically appropriate services can reduce health disparities and improve outcomes.