Business Environment

NAMI Prioritizes Employee Well-Being with Fourth Annual "Rest Up Week"

For the fourth consecutive year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is providing its employees a paid "Rest Up Week" from July 1–5, 2024, to prioritize self-care and enhance workplace well-being. This initiative underscores the importance of mental health in the workplace, with NAMI leading by example and encouraging other organizations to follow suit. "Rest Up Week is an important and necessary time for our team as a whole to focus on our mental well-being," said Daniel H. Gillison Jr., CEO of NAMI. "Naturally, we work to do this throughout the year, but by having one week where all of our staff are away from our desks, we have the opportunity to leave the office behind so we can disconnect, recharge, and engage in activities that bring us joy and relaxation." Rest Up Week aligns with NAMI's StigmaFree Workplace initiative, which provides organizations with the tools and resources to support people's mental well-being by expanding awareness, fostering a culture of caring, and improving access to support. "By prioritizing mental health, we're not only improving our employees' quality of life but also creating a more productive and positive work environment. NAMI is a leader in the mental health movement, and that must start with us looking in the mirror and taking care of our own mental health. Rest Up Week reflects our commitment to promoting a culture of well-being in the workplace, and we encourage everyone to participate," Gillison concluded.

EVERISE NAMED A TOP FIVE MOST INSPIRING WORKPLACE IN LATIN AMERICA

Everise, a leader in transforming customer service for global healthcare companies, announced being named a top five 2024 Inspiring Workplace in Latin America, an award that recognizes people-first organizations around the globe. Everise was ranked fourth out of five exceptional organizations. This is the first year Inspiring Workplaces™ has been organized in Latin America. To ensure that the best-performing organizations were identified, Inspiring Workplaces upgraded the judging criteria for the 2024 Awards. Entrants to the Inspiring Workplace Awards were asked to provide proof of their investment in people by demonstrating six key elements fundamental to creating a people-first culture, and by extension an Inspiring Workplace. They are Culture and Purpose, Leadership, Wellbeing, Inclusion, Employee Voice, and Employee Experience. Organizations of all sizes and industries entered a category defined by how many people are within the business. The top five winners were decided by an independent expert judging panel. Each of the six key elements were also judged separately for best-in-class recognition in each discipline. Everise was the only organization out of the five scoring highly enough to be specially named in the special recognition categories of 'Inspiring Leadership', 'Inspiring Wellbeing', and 'Inspiring Employee Voice'. "In Latin America, Everise's Guatemalan site will celebrate 12 years in operation this year, while our Colombian site opened in 2022. We are delighted to be named a top five Inspiring Workplace in Latin America, demonstrating the strength and consistency of Everise's people-first culture across all our teams and sites. This recognition honors our commitment since day one of building a people-first company that empowers and invests in our talent to grow to their fullest potential on delivering customer happiness. I would like to congratulate and thank our Latin American leaders and champions on this glowing accolade," said Sudhir Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Everise. "Congratulations to the Top 5 Inspiring Workplaces across Latin America. Focusing on the personal development and caring for the people you employ will not only drive performance but protect the wellbeing of those individuals. Being PeopleFirst isn't a nice to have, it's a business imperative! Inspiring Workplaces is about to celebrate its 10th anniversary and we place these organizations in a gold standard for PeopleFirst culture. We can't be prouder to thank and congratulate all our finalists this year, a tremendous success!" shared Matt Manners, Founder, The Inspiring Workplaces Group.

Sentynl Therapeutics Receives Great Place To Work Certification

Sentynl Therapeutics, Inc. (Sentynl), a U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company wholly-owned by Zydus Lifesciences, Ltd. (Zydus Group) announced that it received accreditation from Great Place To Work®, the global management consulting firm that provides best-in-class data about the employee experience and establishes benchmarks for working conditions around the world. "Sentynl Therapeutics is honored to be a Great Place To Work as part of Zydus Americas. This recognition is especially meaningful because it's earned through the opinions of employees themselves," said Matt Heck, President & Chief Executive Officer of Sentynl. "In partnership with Zydus, we are committed to building and maintaining a company culture that our employees are proud of, so we can achieve impact with integrity." Zydus Americas had a 94% employee survey response rate, with an exceptional 90% saying that it is a great place to work, far higher than the average of 57% for typical U.S. companies. Speaking on the recognition, Dr. Punit Patel, President & CEO of Zydus Americas, said, "At Zydus, we know that our dedicated employees drive our success, innovation and impact. It is crucial to ensure that our workforce feels supported and uplifted, and we are proud to be recognized for these efforts." Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation. As part of Zydus Americas, Sentynl earned accreditation through the firm's two tools – the Trust Index© employee survey and the Culture Brief™ company questionnaire. The Trust Index measures individual employee experiences using five dimensions of high-trust company culture, credibility, respect, fairness, pride and sense of belonging, through 60 statements and two open-ended questions.

Transferable skills training is key as Singapore's healthcare sector grapples with manpower shortage

The rapidly ageing population contributes to a surge in the demand for healthcare services. However, there is a shortage of healthcare professionals in Singapore as corroborated by nearly nine in ten (31% strongly agree, 59% somewhat agree) healthcare leaders. These leaders voice the provision of more competitive salary and benefit packages (57%), promoting preventive healthcare (41%), streamlining shift schedules (37%), adopting technology to lighten administrative tasks (36%), and providing continuous training opportunities (35%) as the top five ways to support healthcare professionals amid the evolving demands in the sector. In light of advocating for more competitive salary and benefit packages, two-thirds of healthcare leaders agree (66%) that there are sufficient opportunities for career advancement, and three-quarters agree (75%) that it is easy for healthcare workers to switch roles or career paths within the sector. Despite that, they highlight the challenges faced in transitioning careers within the sector, such as the need for additional retraining (62%) and not possessing enough transferable skills (49%). Therefore, all healthcare leaders agree (41% strongly agree, 59% somewhat agree) that it is important to have ongoing learning and skills development opportunities for career mobility in the sector. However, challenges remain as staff shortage and high workload (71%), lack of incentives to upskill (59%), and difficulty in coordinating large-scale training due to shift work (40%), are the top three barriers to sending employees for training. These are some of the key findings from NTUC LearningHub's recently launched Industry Insights Report 2024 on Healthcare, which explores the current landscape of the healthcare sector, including challenges, training gaps, hiring sentiments, and in-demand skills. Based on a survey of 150 healthcare leaders, and interviews with industry experts, the report also uncovers the transferability of skills for individuals across different roles within the sector. According to healthcare leaders, effective client communication (44%), data analytics (42%), and service excellence (33%) are the top training areas they are keen to enrol employees for. They also list adaptability (63%), problem-solving (61%), communication (59%), learning agility (55%), and customer orientation (55%) as the top critical core skills or soft skills for healthcare workers to possess. In addition, about four in five (81%) healthcare leaders are looking to hire talent where healthcare assistants (35%), logistics or operations (27%), and community care service workers (17%) are the top three job roles sought after. Moreover, almost nine in ten (86%) are likely to hire those with industry-recognised certifications, despite a lack of experience. Healthcare leaders also believe technology can help alleviate on-site workload through leveraging telemedicine services (64%), automating/streamlining operational and logistical processes (63%), and expediting treatment for patients through quicker and more precise diagnosis (58%). These benefits are in addition to enhancing access and ensuring data consistency through centralised patient health records (62%) and enabling access for immobile patients through telemedicine services (55%). Commenting on the report findings, Tay Ee Learn, NTUC LearningHub's Chief Sector Skills Officer, says, "The manpower crunch is driven by an ageing population and the rising demand for health and community care services. This underscores the need for a highly skilled and digitally empowered workforce, especially given the digital transformation of the sector. Thus, a holistic skill set encompassing both technical and transferable competencies, particularly critical core or soft skills, and tech-lite skills are vital in facilitating optimal care for patients while keeping healthcare professionals nimble. In order to bridge the manpower gap, employers must therefore champion the long-term employability of their workforce and prioritise their ongoing learning and skills development through industry-recognised professional certifications that allow healthcare workers to take on in-demand roles in this growing sector.

Everise certified as a most loved workplace by newsweek for four consecutive years

Everise, a leader in customer experience for global healthcare companies, announced being ranked on the Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list, as published by Newsweek. The list, created in collaboration with the Best Practice Institute (BPI), provides the most comprehensive look at workplace sentiment for organizations today. This marks the fourth year running that Everise has achieved this certification. The results were determined after surveying more than 2 million employees from businesses with workforces varying in size from 30 to more than 10,000. The list recognizes companies that put respect, caring, and appreciation for their employees at the center of their business model and, in doing so, have earned the loyalty and respect of the people who work for them. "It is an immense honor for Everise to be certified one of Newsweek's Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® and recognized as a Most Loved Workplace® for four years in a row. This is a testament to our commitment to fostering a people-first work environment that is supportive and engaging," says Sudhir Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Everise. "At Everise, we believe that a thriving workplace culture forms the foundation for delivering exceptional service and innovation. This accolade reflects the dedication of our talented champs, whose passion and collaboration drive our success everyday." Everise was certified a Most Loved Workplace® for various reasons as cited by Newsweek. These include the systemic culture of collaboration, the positive vision of the future that employees have, the respect the company has for its employees, the support the company provides to employees to achieve their goals, strength of the CEO, alignment of values, and more. "As workplaces continue to shift, it's clearer than ever that fostering collaboration, embracing a positive outlook, and aligning values are essential. The companies celebrated on the 2024 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list truly embody these principles. They show us that by championing respect and team oriented outcomes, they're not just building great workplaces, they're shaping a brighter future for all," said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek. "I started Most Loved Workplaces out of inspiration from my community of people who consciously place love for their employees at the center of their business model," said Louis Carter, the founder, and CEO of BPI and a social/organizational psychologist, thought leader, entrepreneur, and author.

SHG Healthcare Revolutionizes Healthcare Staffing with Innovative, Client-Centric Solutions

SHG Healthcare, also known as SHG Health, a pioneer in healthcare staffing, is set to transform the locum tenens landscape by introducing innovative solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of healthcare facilities and professionals. With a strong focus on reliability and customization, SHG Health aims to bridge the gap between talented medical professionals and leading healthcare institutions. SHG Health places a significant emphasis on client and professional relationships. Our services are tailored to not only meet but exceed the expectations of healthcare facilities and staff. By focusing on comprehensive support and continuous improvement, SHG Health fosters an environment of professional growth and exceptional patient care.

Novo Holdings Boston office named a 2024 Best Place to Work by the Boston Business Journal

Novo Holdings, a leading life science investor, announced that its Boston office has been named a 2024 Best Place to Work by the Boston Business Journal. In an employee-led survey, Novo Holdings stood out for its purpose-driven and collaborative workplace, and employee benefits package. The Best Places to Work program, run annually by the Boston Business Journal, honors companies in the Boston area that prioritize employee satisfaction, wellbeing, and professional growth. Employees were asked to rate their work environment, work-life balance, job satisfaction, advancement opportunities, management, compensation, and benefits. Companies must achieve upwards of 90% survey engagement to be a candidate for the award. Kasim Kutay, Chief Executive Officer, Novo Holdings, commented: "At Novo Holdings we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture underpinned by values of performance, respect, and responsibility. To receive recognition through an award that is employee nominated is an achievement we can all be proud of." Abhijeet Lele, Senior Partner, Head of Principal Investments US, said: "Novo Holdings is entirely owned by a philanthropic and non-profit organization, the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Knowing that the returns of our investments are funneled back to the Foundation to advance research in medical science and sustainability for the planet is a driver for all of us in Boston." Jennifer Adleman, Director, Head of People & Organization US, added: "Built on a foundation of collaboration and respect, our workplace embodies the values of our Danish roots, evident in both our culture and benefits package. These offerings aim to support the holistic well-being and growth of our team members. We're honored to be recognized for our commitment to nurturing an excellent work environment."

74% of American Employees Would Prefer to Work for a Smaller Business Over a Larger Business: Study

About three-quarters (74%) of employed Americans report that, if all things were equal (e.g., compensation, benefits, hours, etc.), they would rather work for a smaller business than a larger business, according to a new study from the UKG Workforce Institute released during National Small Business Week. That said, 67% percent of employed Americans believe it is harder for smaller businesses to hire talent, which may be explained by the fact that nearly 4 out of 5 U.S. workers (78%) say larger businesses can offer higher wages. “While the public may perceive that larger businesses can offer more to their employees, our study shows that smaller businesses have their own distinct advantages, especially with workplace culture,” said Dr. Jarik Conrad, vice president of human insights at UKG and executive director of the UKG Workforce Institute. “Because of their size, smaller businesses are in a position to provide employees with a family-like feel, and they can use that advantage to their benefit by focusing on creating a great place to work for all.” As small businesses scale and begin growing their HR teams, getting the basics right is crucial to attracting and retaining talent, meeting and exceeding customer expectations, and increasing revenue. However, the UKG Workforce Institute study found there are perceptions that businesses with leaner teams must overcome, including: Only one-quarter (25%) of employed Americans think payroll accuracy is better at smaller businesses; Only 18% of employed Americans say that smaller businesses are better at payroll; and Just 20% of employed Americans report that smaller businesses are better at onboarding. Areas Where Smaller Businesses are Succeeding The UKG Workforce Institute study found that employed Americans believe that smaller businesses have several benefits over larger businesses, leading to 64% of employed Americans feeling that people would rather work for a smaller business. Specifically, the study revealed that: Thirty-eight percent of employed Americans think overall job satisfaction is better at smaller businesses, compared with just 17% who say it is better at larger ones; Nearly half of employed Americans (46%) believe that transparent and consistent communication from leaders is better at smaller businesses; and Thirty-six percent of employed Americans believe there is greater schedule flexibility at smaller businesses. Additionally, 36% of employed Americans noted that the quality of managers is better at smaller businesses than larger ones — a crucial component in attracting and retaining talent, confirmed by recent UKG research that found 73% of employees say their manager’s support, encouragement, and/or leadership directly motivates them to go above and beyond in the workplace. “The leading small businesses have realized that all-in-one HR and payroll solutions can level the playing field,” said Chris Kiklas, vice president of UKG Ready product management at UKG. “This ensures that they can create a foundation that provides great employee experiences while allowing them to grow and scale, so they can remain competitive with larger businesses. By capitalizing on the opportunities to address perception gaps, lean teams can set themselves up for success.” As leaders at small businesses look to attract and retain talent, the UKG Workforce Institute study found that over half of employed Americans (56%) believe that people tend to start their job searches by applying to smaller businesses first, demonstrating that these workplaces have the first shot to be competitive in hiring and retaining the right talent. With automated and intuitive HR solutions, lean teams can grow and scale at their pace while continuing to do what they do best: providing the goods and services local communities want.

Viatris Launches Unmind for Workforce Mental Health Support

Viatris a global healthcare company, recently launched Unmind as part of its global wellbeing program, Elevate. Unmind is a leading provider of workplace mental health solutions designed by psychologists to help individuals understand and be proactive with their mental health and lead healthier, happier lives. "The mental wellbeing of our colleagues is extremely important and just one of the many reasons why Viatris introduced Elevate, our wellbeing program, in 2023 with the principles of health, purpose and growth," said Viatris' Chief People Officer Andrew Enrietti. "Providing access to benefits, resources and wellbeing tools like Unmind, which encourages colleagues to live life fully, is an essential part of our mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life." Viatris' Elevate program has been built on three principles that help colleagues support their wellbeing: Health – Nourishing mental and physical self. This includes prioritizing good nutrition, engaging in movement activities, supporting rest and sleep as well as completing health screenings and check-ups. Purpose – Connecting and finding meaning with colleagues and community. This includes prioritizing time with loved ones and participating in meaningful community activities. Growth – Finding the path forward to the best version of "self". This includes personal and professional development, engaging in hobbies and activities that spark fulfillment and more. A scientific brief released by the World Health Organization in 2022 reports rates of already-common conditions such as depression and anxiety went up by more than 25% in the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, adding to the nearly one billion people who were already living with a mental disorder.1 These findings emphasize the importance of organizations simultaneously addressing employee engagement and wellbeing in the current and future workforce. That is why Viatris is focused on the goal of providing all colleagues with wellbeing resources, including access to mental health tools and support. Viatris is pleased to share that in 2024, all colleagues globally have access to mental health resources. Sheila Muhl, Viatris' Head of Total Rewards and Talent, said, "At Viatris, we have a unique opportunity, because of our mission, to be a company that truly supports our colleagues focus on their health and wellbeing. Our partnership with Unmind expands the Elevate program by offering an important tool that recognizes and proactively supports their mental wellbeing, reduces the impact and stigma surrounding mental health and encourages each one of us to live life fully." Tailored for Personal FocusUnmind's free and confidential resources are available to Viatris colleagues and up to five family members or friends to help them proactively manage their mental health. Developed with experts and clinicians using the latest research, Unmind's approach is robustly science-led. The personalized program supports individuals to achieve their personal goal, whether that be managing stress, sleeping better or increasing happiness. Dr. Nick Taylor, Co-founder & CEO, of Unmind said: "We are delighted to partner with Viatris to bring our data-based mental health support to their global team. It's refreshing to see a healthcare organization not only advocate for the wellbeing of others, but also actively invest in the health of their own people. Our partnership reflects our shared vision of a world where mental health is not an afterthought but a priority, and is a significant step towards destigmatizing conversations about mental health in the workplace."

Medical Solutions survey reveals 97% of nurses travel for higher pay

Medical Solutions, which connects nurses and allied health clinicians with hospitals and healthcare systems, has released findings from its annual Voices of Care survey. One key finding reveals 97.2% of respondents choose travel nursing or internal travel contracts versus a permanent position or per diem due to a better salary. The 2023 Voices of Care survey gathered responses in December 2023 from 7,117 registered nurses. The study uses survey responses to provide insights that can better inform healthcare facilities about characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors of nurses. Other reasons respondents considered as important factors in their decision to travel include reduced involvement in workplace politics (85.2%), more flexible scheduling (85.1%), and broadened experience and skills (81.7%). "The overwhelming response to our Voices of Care survey highlights the significance of understanding the multifaceted reasons behind nurses' decisions to pursue travel opportunities," said Patti Artley, Chief Nursing Officer at Medical Solutions. "As advocates for the healthcare workforce, we are committed to leveraging these insights to continuously enhance our services and support both our clinicians and our client facilities." By leveraging these insights, healthcare organizations can tailor their recruitment and retention strategies to better meet the needs and expectations of their nursing workforce. "With these insights, we're equipped to collaborate closely with our partners, customizing solutions that not only attract top talent but also foster a culture of engagement and retention, ultimately elevating the standard of care across the industry," said Scott Armstrong, Vice President of Client Growth at Medical Solutions.

Health & Biotech