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Henry Ford Health System

Winning year: 2005
Industry: Hospitals/Healthcare
Location: Detroit, MI
URL: www.henryfordhealth.org

Winning Strategies 2005

The Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) focuses on improving the work/life balance of its 17,000 employees, including 800 physicians, more than 600 residents, and 400 home health care employees through recruitment, education, and benefits. Because of the long-term national shortage in health care disciplines, HFHS is implementing aggressive recruitment and retention programs.

In 2004, HFHS significantly increased diversity efforts. Also during the year, HFHS launched a new mentoring program. HFHS offers numerous medical education programs to develop future physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. It offers tuition assistance to its full- and part-time employees.

The health system emphasizes work/life balance through a variety of services for working professionals. Employees can get additional time off for caregiving through the time-off and sell-back programs. Although HFHS does not have a formal phased retirement program, it gives many retirees the chance to work part- or full-time and still receive their distributions.

Benefits:

• Full-time employees pay 17 percent of the premium for health insurance and prescription drug coverage. Part-time employees (minimum 20 hours/week) pay 76 percent of the premium for the same coverage.
• The company covers short-term disability for all employees. Full-time employees pay 10 percent of the premium for long-term disability; part-time employees pay 100 percent. HFHS offers a defined contribution 401(k) and cash balance plan to its full- and part-time employees.

Twenty-nine percent of HFHS employees are 50+. Twelve percent of new hires in the last year are 50+.