Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2017

By Andrea Nagel Kootenai Health was named a Gallup Great Workplace for 2017, recognizing Kootenai as one of the most engaged and productive workforces in the world. The award, created by Gallup, Inc., recognizes organizations for their ability to create engaged workplace cultures and to take unique approaches to achieving engagement success. “We are honored to be recognized for creating an environment that encourages employees to do their best work every day,” said Daniel Klocko, Kootenai Health executive vice presi- dent of human resources. “We believe that when employees are connected to and take pride in their work, it cre- ates better outcomes for our patients.” What is anengaged workplace? Gallup defines engaged employees as involved in, enthusiastic about, and committed to their work and work- place. When employees are engaged, they are passionate and creative, and their enthusiasm fuels growth and innovation. These employees are emotionally connected to their work and deeply invested in their company’s future. As a result, they help lead their company to greater levels of performance. Gallup research has consistently found that engaged employees pro- duce better business outcomes than other employees—across industry, company size and nationality, and in good economic times and bad. Howwe rank The Gallup Great Workplace Award is open to a select group of organiza- tions that meet a highly defined set of criteria. Out of 37 organizations to receive the award this year, Kootenai Health is one of only seven health care-related organizations. Gallup’s rigorous scientific research links employee engagement to nine integral performance outcomes: • Customer ratings • Profitability • Productivity • Turnover • Staff safety incidents • Shrinkage • Absenteeism • Quality • Patient safety incidents Since implementing its employee engagement strategy in 2012, Koote- nai has experienced increased patient satisfaction scores, improved financial performance and improved employee retention. “Kootenai Health’s recruiting team focuses its efforts on filling positions with people who are not only qualified to perform the work, but will also be a good fit for our culture and become an engaged member of the team,” Daniel said. “Making good hiring deci- sions lays a foundation on which the employee, department and organiza- tion can all realize success.” You reap thebenefits Nearly five years after implementing its engagement strategy, Kootenai Health’s commitment to engagement is now a cultural point of pride for employees. The employees and leadership at Kootenai understand that when employees are engaged, they are passionate and creative, and their enthusiasm fuels growth and innova- tion. These employees are emotionally connected to their work and deeply invested in their organization’s future. As a result, they provide superior patient care. “Research consistently shows engaged employees produce better outcomes across all industries,” said Jon Ness, Kootenai Health CEO. “For us, these outcomes are transferred over to our patients who benefit most from having engaged, compassionate health providers.” Want to work at a Great Workplace? Check out our career page at jobs.KH.org . Officially a Great Place toWork KH . ORG 19