(PRWEB) December 30, 2004
Premier Workplaces, an independent benchmarking organization, has named the charter list of healthcare organizations honored as Premier Employers in Healthcare. These organizations are recognized for their outstanding people practices and human resources programs that attract and retain diverse talent. The employers in alphabetical order are:
Premier Benefits Attract and Retain Talent
The healthcare industry faces challenges of workforce shortages in disciplines including nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, respiratory therapy and diagnostic imaging. Healthcare organizations are utilizing innovative programs to attract and retain talent. Healthcare employers have realized that their workforce competition is not just in the healthcare industry. Among the benefits offered by employers on our list:
Compensation: A total rewards philosophy was evident among the hospitals and health systems. Some employers are utilizing skill-based pay models that offer incentives for holding a bachelor's degree or specialty certification. Attractive perks included up to $15,000 in loan forgiveness to new RN graduates.
Education and Training: A commitment to employee development was evident from orientation, as most employers had new hire support programs included extended orientation to new graduates. The average employer provided over $2,000 in support for formal education through tuition programs. Some extended the support to include the employee's family by offering the employee's spouse and children tuition assistance and scholarship opportunities. Through preceptorship programs new graduates were assigned a mentor and worked with them for up to one year to provide a resource beyond the formal orientation process.
Career Development: Manager training and tools on coaching were common career development methods. Strategic minded HR departments established career development programs to inform employees about in-demand jobs and helped employees in exploring these career opportunities. Many employers offered scholarships above their normal tuition assistance to encourage current employees to pursue nursing or other in demand degrees.
Diversity: Employers had committed resources to develop diversity programs that included internal education on diversity policies and multiculturalism as well as inclusiveness in recruitment practices. Scholarships at predominately minority colleges aid in attracting minorities to health professions, that are typically under represented. One employer used diversity action teams to allow employees to develop activities at each entity to promote diversity and cultural awareness.
Family Friendly: The importance of work and life balance was clearly recognized with employers offering child care referrals, flexible spending accounts, child care vouchers, and back up care. Almost all of the Premier Employers offered an onsite or near site child care center. One flexible employer gives new employees the choice of morning or afternoon orientation, demonstrating an understanding of work/life needs from the first day of employment. Flexible scheduling options, compressed work weeks and part time positions with full benefits full complement the family friendly atmosphere. Adoption assistance benefits were offered my most employers. One employer offered a "mommy hours" program allows for the option to tailor work schedules to begin work after their children go to school and to end work before their children return home. Mothers also have the option to take summers off when their children return home. Others provided assistance through work/life resource centers.
Wellness Programs: Incentives for living a healthy lifestyle as well as onsite fitness centers promoted wellness in the workforce. Cash incentives for participation were as high as $100. Free smoking cessation programs and support were offered by many.
Retirement: Many employers offered both traditional defined benefit programs and defined contribution programs as well financial planning assistance to employees. The availability of full benefits with part time positions at some of the employers gives the option of phased retirement for workers that want to retain their benefits but work less hours.
Participation: Employers utilized professional practice models to provide direct patient care staff the opportunity to participate in decision making processes that patient care delivery and clinical outcome. Employee teams were regularly used for problem solving and for change processes. Senior leadership were readily available to employees through open meetings and through management rounding practices. Voicemail and email hotlines, allowing employees to take their concern to the top executive, promoted an open culture in several organizations.
Employee Assistance: In addition to Employee Assistance Programs, many employers offered employee crisis or emergency funds that enabled employees to provide financial assistance to co-workers who are facing a hardship.
Special Perks: All of the employers offer employees special perks including corporate discount programs  from group homeowner insurance to new car purchases. Other special perks include onsite massages, meals to go, holiday bonuses as well as social activities for both the employee and their family.
Methodology for Picking the Premier Healthcare Employers
Premier Healthcare Employer is an industry specific recognition, rather than a geographic or general comparison of employers in differing fields. An industry focus allows for a more specific comparison of benefits, programs and services offered to employees. Premier Healthcare Employer recognition represents a "best in class" standing in the industry for the named employers. In order to be considered, all interested employers had to complete an application covering: compensation; benefits; diversity strategies; learning and development; work/life balance; culture and values. The extensive application included approximately 200 questions including both yes/no responses and short answers. Candidates were also requested to submit collateral information to further support their application. The application was available through the program web site and it was downloaded by over 100 employers. Submitted applications were reviewed by a healthcare workforce strategist and scored.
About Premier Workplaces
The 2005 Premier Healthcare Employer list was founded and sponsored by Premier Workplaces. Premier Workplaces is an organization that has grown out of an interest in researching the qualities and attributes of engaging workplaces and promoting workplace excellence. Premier Workplaces offers information, training, ideas and consulting to help improve workplaces and acknowledges outstanding employers thorough recognition programs.
http://www.premierworkplaces.com
About JWT Specialized Communications
The 2005 Premier Employer in Healthcare list was co-sponsored by JWT
Specialized Communications. JWT Specialized Communications is a global full service employment advertising, communications and consulting firm with over 50 years of experience, and in-depth healthcare expertise. JWTSC helps employers attract, recruit and retain the right candidates by creating powerful employer brands and compelling employee communications
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