The Oregonian has once again named Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics a Top Workplace in Oregon and Southwest Washington. This is the third year in a row the health care system has earned this honor.
Becoming a place people consider a top workplace doesn’t happen on its own. It’s the product of hard work and many years of focused effort. Salem Health intentionally works to build a unique workplace culture that attracts diverse, caring and talented people. This culture embraces transparency and empowers employees to drive workplace improvement on a daily basis.
Many organizations solve problems at a management level, forcing change downward. Salem Health believes it is those on the front line doing the work and caring for patients who are best positioned to drive continuous improvement.
Every voice matters at Salem Health, so the entire organization uses the tools of Lean management to encourage every employee to submit ideas and solve problems. The end result is a constantly improving process that benefits patients and employees.
“We work hard to be an organization that listens,” said Laurie Barr, Salem Health chief human resources officer. “Our staff know their voices are heard and that they are supported in driving changes to reduce costs or enhance patient care. This type of trust is empowering and we’re proud of the culture of listening we’ve built.”
Salem Health’s culture relies on trustworthy leaders and dependable co-workers. Every employee has meaningful work to do, contributing a piece to the compassionate care provided to patients. These ingredients help create an exciting and satisfying workplace.
The culture at Salem Health is bolstered by competitive pay and benefits, investments in continuing education and pride that comes from delivering award-winning care.
Salem Health is the premier health care provider for Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Made up of hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, plus other clinics and services — it has provided pioneering medicine since 1896. It is also Salem’s largest private employer, with more than 4,500 employees. There are more than 700 practitioners on the active medical staff, representing 46 different specialties. In addition, more than 400 people provide non-medical support as hospital volunteers.
Salem Health is a community-based, not-for-profit institution. The board of trustees comprises 15 volunteers who share a common belief: To heal the sick and injured — not to answer to stockholders. Salem Hospital is one of the largest of Oregon’s acute care hospitals, licensed for 454 acute-care beds and operating the busiest emergency department in the state.
About Salem Health: Salem Health offers exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. It comprises hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, plus other affiliated services. Visit them at www.salemhealth.org; “Like” them on www.facebook.com/salemhealth; follow them on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view them at www.youtube.com/salemhealth.