Dear colleague,
As the calendar changed from June 30 to July 1, it also signaled the end of Ballad Health’s fiscal year. During this past year, we have successfully implemented the integration of many work processes, policies and multiple systems. While integration is always a bit of a challenge, the end goal is to provide services and support that are efficient, accessible and value-added for each of us as team members.
At this time, I would like to take a moment to share an update with you of our work plan for the coming year – again, the goal being to create seamless and accessible services for each of us.
First, I am pleased to announce that our board of directors has approved a 2% annual wage increase (if applicable). In an environment where we face declining inpatient utilization and increased competition in the outpatient services market, our ongoing expense management, productivity gains and efficiencies have provided the support necessary to fund this annual wage increase.
Also, this year, we plan to move to HealthStream as our platform for improving patient outcomes through ongoing workforce development, training, learning management, talent management and performance assessment. This tool is used by thousands of healthcare institutions throughout the nation, and it will be a powerful and useful system for our performance evaluations, competency and learning. We also plan to move away from anniversary date evaluations (if applicable) to a point-in-time, common evaluation date. For many of us, this is not a change, but for others, it will be. Please watch for more details in the coming days on how this transition will impact you.
Also during fiscal year 2020, you can expect to see the following large-scale projects:
- HealthStream will also be used for our Learning Management system (CBLs). Again, this is not a change for many of you. For others, learning assignments will occur on the first day of your hire month, and you will have 15 days to complete the annual requirements.
- To support your career development, you will now use a single system to review posted positions across Ballad Health. From the Ballad Health intranet, click Human Resources and then Careers.
- Work will continue to combine and streamline common job descriptions. This might necessitate some title changes, based on the need to standardize certain positions within the system. Certainly, this will not result in changes to compensation or role.
- We know there is good work happening all over Ballad Health, and having a well-recognized and communicated recognition program will be an important enhancement.
- Market-based pay adjustments are an ongoing process, with positions being reviewed for equity across the system and competitiveness within the market. This ongoing review will continue with action as necessary.
- The annual team member engagement survey will be held in October, in addition to many other opportunities to have your voice heard. Your suggestions will shape our future direction.
Moving forward, look for opportunities to become a bigger part of the Ballad Health community. Please take advantage of these opportunities, but also know your leadership and human resources team are available to help answers questions, clarify changes or updates and, especially, to listen. If you have a concern or suggestion, please use one of the many venues at your disposal. You may also always reach out directly to me in addition to your own leadership team or even our anonymous hotline.
Whatever the circumstances, your voice is important, and we want to hear it.
Sincerely,
Debbie Dover, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
SVP, Talent Engagement and Chief Human Resources Officer
