Northwell Health has been named to this year’s Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the third consecutive year, placing 75th on the list. This prestigious award recognizes the health system as one of America’s leading employers across industries with a distinctive and high-quality workplace culture.
Northwell was the only health care organization recognized in New York State among nine health care organizations nationwide to make the list.
“Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwell faced unprecedented challenges treating patients and keeping our team members and community safe, so we are especially honored once again to be recognized as a leading company in the nation with an outstanding workplace culture,” said Michael J. Dowling, president and chief executive officer at Northwell Health. “This achievement is only made possible by the unwavering dedication of our 78,000 team members on every level throughout our 22 hospitals and other facilities.”
Since March 2020, Northwell has treated more than 300,000 COVID-19 patients across its health system. Recognizing challenges faced by clinicians and other team members during the pandemic, Northwell came together to help frontline workers and staff members balance their professional and personal lives by putting in place additional supports, benefits, programs and recognition for their heroic efforts throughout the global health crisis and beyond. Some key initiatives included creating a Center for Traumatic Stress, Resiliency and Recovery, providing financial support to team members such as a $2,500 bonus for response to COVID-19 and an extra week of personal time off, wellness initiatives and creating tranquil spaces for team member to destress and relax.
“We remain committed now more than ever to support our team members at work and home to help them focus on healing and growth in a more optimistic future,” said Maxine Carrington, senior vice president and chief people officer at Northwell. “Our listening strategies and feedback from surveys as well as engagement with staff members has broadened and we are better able to provide the right support to people at the right time.”
Northwell’s focus on caring for team members through peer efforts and professional collaboration was one of many factors contributing to the health system’s recognition. For example, Team Lavender, which acts as a rapid response team, provides emotional, spiritual and physical support. With more than 23 sites and 300 plus responders, the group creates open dialogue about the daily life-and-death situations staff face and provides emotional and peer support to care givers who experience extraordinary events to help reduce fatigue and burn out.
Health and well-being of employees is paramount at Northwell. The health system introduced many new offerings, including health and nutrition webinars and apps like Calm to reduce stress and anxiety. The system’s employee wellness team shared daily self-care tips and over 100 new health videos on internal platforms. Wellness workshops were offered ranging in topics from guided meditation to stretching to healthy eating. Hybrid workplaces are promoted when feasible to employees either through remote work or via Workwell, new on-demand spaces designed and equipped for individuals or groups.
The health system launched Northwell Celebrates, a program focused on supporting our team members, helping them heal and grow after a tumultuous two years. This program includes a series of events and experiences celebrating and thanking our health care heroes and their families, while also investing in long-term sustainable programs such as designing established child care centers and well-being facilities. “We wanted to express our deep appreciation to our team members in a creative and meaningful way,” said Ms. Carrington. “For example, we stood up pop-up gratitude stations at various Northwell facilities where executive leaders thanked staff with well-being gift boxes, promoting healing and positivity for the future.”
Additional offerings included a meal delivery service, mobile spa and appreciation gifts.
Northwell also was distinguished for its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in its recruiting and hiring process and workplace. The health system’s office of Military Liaison Services has robust programs in place to identify potential candidates transitioning from active duty as well as specialized behavioral health services for veterans and family members. The health system continues to expand its Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs), which focus on education, shared experiences and practical ways for team members to shape Northwell’s strategy and programs. BERGs include groups where employees can celebrate Asian, Black, Jewish and LatinX communities. There are groups for individuals with disabilities and one to expand health equity awareness for the LGBTQ+ community.
Fortune’s top 100 list is based on results from America’s largest ongoing annual workforce study, representing more than 4.5 million employees this year alone. Employees responded to over 60 employee experience survey questions. Eighty-five percent of the evaluation is based on what employees report about their experiences of trust and reaching their full human potential as part of their organization, no matter who they are or what they do. Those experiences are analyzed relative to each organization’s size, workforce make up, and what’s typical in their industry and region. Other factors considered include an assessment of all employees’ daily experiences of the company’s values, people’s ability to contribute new ideas, and the effectiveness of their leaders.
Northwell received 1,171 survey comments from employees. Eighty-eight percent of Northwell’s respondents said they are “proud to tell others” where they work and 84 percent said that “taking everything into account, they would say it is a great place to work.” The responses given during the ongoing pandemic reflect that Northwell team members feel supported emotionally and psychologically, believe that Northwell is committed to creating a positive work environment, and that executive leadership cares about employees and has effective management.
For the last two years, Northwell Health was named the best health system for diversity, by DiversityInc. The health system also was recognized as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2022 by Fast Company.
To access Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to work for list: https://www.greatplacetowork.com/best-workplaces/100-best/2022
To learn more about a wide range of career opportunities at Northwell Health, go to: https://jobs.northwell.edu
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