CoxHealth's culture efforts are paying off

As we prepare for the 2018 We Want to Know employee survey, Yvette Williams shares her perspective on how survey feedback drives CoxHealth's culture.

A great culture doesn’t happen by accident, but through a committed and sustained effort. CoxHealth’s focus on three key areas over the past several years has improved our culture to the point that people are asking, “What’s going on at CoxHealth?” Here’s the answer.

Analyzing our culture is difficult because we’re in it. It’s like being in the Milky Way galaxy and not seeing any signs of it, except on a clear, dark night when the white ribbons draped across the sky are visible.

What are the signs of our culture – things we experience every day that point to an improving environment?

Our DNV surveyors noticed; they included our culture on their list of noteworthy findings. They noted: employees who were eager to tell them what we do and how we prove it and improve it; the teamwork in and between departments that was on display during the survey when our census was especially high; and our colleagues greeting each other and guests, approaching those who need help. So what is the cause of our improving culture? 

Focus on listening: A key driver of satisfaction, listening takes many forms – from managers who round with employees, to initiatives such as Working Smarter, the Innovation Accelerator and performance improvement projects that rely on staff input to drive change. The We Want to Know survey, RN survey and Culture of Safety survey are other tools that seek your input. 

Focus on recognition: Few companies in the region put as much focus on recognizing and rewarding employees – from thank you notes of appreciation to the Annual Employee Recognition Banquet, PARTNERS Spirit Awards, Prestigious PARTNERS Awards, DAISY Awards, Employee Appreciation Day, Choice Rewards online recognition tool and more. 

Focus on leader development: Your director, manager and supervisor affect your work satisfaction and that’s why CoxHealth puts so much effort into building strong leaders – from an online goal management system to quarterly leader training and multiple courses from the Center for Professional Development.    

We are seeing the fruit of the investments made in the employee experience. Our vision to be the best for those who need us applies to us, too, especially those who devote years and careers to this organization. Now it’s up to us to help our culture grow and thrive. Every day, we all play a role in making CoxHealth a great place to work and care for patients, families and each other. 

Ways employee feedback drives change

The We Want to Know Survey is where CoxHealth gathers the feedback that will guide the organization in making continual improvements. All around the organization, there are examples of ways CoxHealth is addressing issues raised in the survey. Check out some of the improvements that have been influenced by staff feedback: 

Culture that promotes health and wellbeing

Healthy Living program; points for medical expenses

Free Center for Health Improvement classes

Wellness education, free and worth points

Wellness expos

Employee Health extended hours, telemedicine clinic

Work/Life Balance

Employee Assistance Program: free counseling

Healthy Living program

Prescription drug delivery at work

1906 Employee Store, in store and online 

CoxHealth Pharmacy: over-the-counter drug savings

Meals by Monica with free delivery

Community Partners employee discounts

Competitive benefits

Savings Incentive Plan Earn company match of up to 5%

Discounts on InfoArmor identity program plan

Free preventive services

CoxHealth Pharmacy: prescription savings

Virtual visits: 50% off for employees, dependents 

Partnering with the community

Diaper drive for families in need

Volunteers for United Way Day of Caring

Back to school drives

Annual food drives for food pantries

Blood drives on campus

Heart Walk sponsorship, donations

Medical provider for Convoy of Hope community event

Focus on domestic violence

Baby footprints during holiday time

Branson: Free sports physicals to high school athletes

Monett: Healthy Communities grant from EPA

Safety fair for kids

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Miracle Week

Community Celebration to mark 5 years in Branson

Recognizing your accomplishments

Choice Rewards program

PARTNERS Spirit Awards

Prestigious Partners Awards

DAISY Awards

Employee Recognition Banquet

Service award gifts

For your career objectives

Tuition reimbursement

Free educational seminars and conferences

LEADS program for leader development

Advance Your Career intranet site

Career ladders

Competitive pay

Increase in entry level wage

RN wage adjustment

Regular market reviews