Ochsner Health System

Benefits/Financial: Full- and part-time employees are offered a 401(k) plan with employer match, and those working 25 or more hours per week are eligible for a defined-benefit plan. All new hires are automatically enrolled in the 401(k) plan, employees may choose to invest in lifecycle funds that automatically re-allocate assets based on age or proximity to retirement and those age 50 and over are able to make catch-up contributions.  

Staff members and staff from the financial services firm that administers the retirement plan provide financial information and training to employees.

Short- and long-term leaves of absence are offered without pay to allow for caregiving. In addition, employees can borrow time off from the general purpose donation bank.

Full- and part-time employees are offered flu shots, health screenings, health risk appraisals, smoking cessation programs, health club discounts, physical activity and weight loss programs, and stress management training.

Ochsner offers referral services to assist with child care, care for grandchildren and elder care to its employees.  

Benefits/Alternative Work Arrangements: Part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week can participate in telecommuting and job sharing while all employees are eligible to participate in flex time and compressed work schedules. Employees approaching retirement can request, and are typically granted, a reduced or modified work schedule prior to retirement. Full-time employees are eligible to move to part-time work on a permanent or temporary basis.  

Opportunities for Retirees: Ochsner has 1,250 retirees and an individual directly responsible for retiree relations. The hospital stays connected with its retirees by inviting retirees to organization events, and by formally acknowledging retirees when they retire. Retirees are offered work opportunities including consulting or contract work, volunteering, as well as full- and part-time work.  

Age of Workforce: Twenty-nine percent of Ochsner employees are age 50 and over. The average tenure of such employees is 8 years.

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