Center for Healthcare Governance Monographs 2006

2006 - Becoming an Employer of Choice: A Key Strategy for Success

Overview:
Winner of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Recognized nationally for several years as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by both Working Motherand Fortune magazines. Today, Center member Bronson Healthcare Group in Kalamazoo, Michigan is known as one of the “best of the best” organizations in America; however, ten short years ago, things were very different.
 
This monograph tells the story of a health care organization that a decade ago was facing an uncertain future. Bronson realized that it had to confront and address several “brutal facts” in order to get moving in the right direction. Thanks to a committed governing board, stellar leadership, determined employees and physicians, and a vision of excellence, Bronson transformed itself into the first-class organization it is today largely by focusing on becoming an Employer of Choice as a key strategic initiative.

Bronson’s journey toward work place excellence is an inspiring one. This publication details how the organization charted a new course that began with an honest assessment of its strengths and weaknesses and was guided by a governing board that helped Bronson focus on its most valuable resource—its people.

A comprehensive, multi-faceted Workforce Development Plan (WDP) helped Bronson create a future that was far brighter than its past. Described in detail here, the WDP addresses several internal, external and diversity initiatives, including:

  • Leadership development;
  • Organization/career enhancement;
  • Communication and information feedback;
  • Distribution of financial incentives and rewards;
  • Measurement and monitoring of employee satisfaction;
  • Ensuring a healthy and productive workforce;
  • Educational programs onsite and with local and regional schools; and
  • A Management Mentor Program, cultural competency training and other diversity efforts.

In this publication, Bronson also makes the case for workplace excellence from both an employee and business perspective and provides “lessons learned” that any organization can apply to improve its work environment. The journey to excellence begins with a single step and never ends. Learn more about how one organization has stayed the course and reaped the rewards.

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