This past Wednesday I celebrated my first anniversary at North Shore LIJ Health System. I am very proud to be working for this organization – how many of you can say that you are proud of the company you work for??
I am always amazed at what this company does for its employees – so here is a synopsis of this past week. Monday we in the OCIO (Office of the Chief Information Officer) had an “All Hands” meeting – 600 of us went to the Uniondale Marriott where our Senior Vice President acknowledged the work we do. Even more amazing was the fact that our CEO and President Michael Dowling joined us and proceeded to tell us what he is doing, how we are expanding and that today we are rated 7th in the US and can expect that in two years we will be rated 2nd.
He is a charismatic individual who understands that no matter what level we are in the Health System we each affect our clients, the patient; and, our job is to make their time with us as pleasant as possible. He also felt that it was necessary to understand how important Information Technology (IT) is in the Health System and humorously mentioned how we needed to grow as the Health System grew and as we needed to provide more information to the government so that we could be reimbursed.
To acknowledge that we had just finished our “Walk to Paris” challenge and the 11 teams from the OCIO who participated there was a raffle drawing – each member of the team drawn received an iPad. This was in addition to being part of the larger drawing for the trip to Paris. As I said there were 600 of us at this event where they served a refreshing watermelon salad, fruit, nuts with raisins and granola bars – quite different than the usual cookies, brownies and sodas – a big effort is being made on wellness within our organization.
On Thursday was the day 15,000 North Shore employees had been waiting for – the drawing for the trip to Paris. This day had come after 90 days of walking, wearing a pedometer and connecting it to our PCs to upload our steps. The drawing was held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, Long Island and more than 1,000 employees attended. There was a buffet breakfast held by the poolside and the weather was gorgeous, from the pool people were ushered to the Grand Ballroom where chairs were cordoned off for the various hospitals.
The ceremonies began with acknowledging that the Health System only thought 1000 people would register for the challenge; but, were mind blowingly surprised when 15,000 employees signed up for the walk challenge. They mentioned every hospital and organization that participated giving each of the groups an opportunity to “scream” that they were represented. Next were stories of individuals who had lost 3 dress sizes, another individual who had been a diabetic for a long time and now might no longer need their medication – and many more. But, the crux of the program was that North Shore was looking to promote “Wellness” throughout the community we serviced; and, we really could not do that if we did not promote it and do it ourselves. This year our focus would be on “Wellness” and starting on July 9th there would be two more programs introduced; a Know Your Numbers 2 and Five to Thrive – I know what Know Your Numbers 2 is about; but, I am intrigued with the Five to Thrive.
Now the drawing – there was a barrel that needed to be turned as 900 teams (9000 people) had managed to walk the 7.2 million steps. The first team selected turned out to be Corporate – so they were put aside and in again for another team. Well, they drew THREE more times – not just one team would go to Paris; but, FOUR teams are going to Paris. That first team which was Corporate won – our CEO just wanted to make sure that it was not a team that had Executives on it – it was not.
Okay 40 people off to Paris for 4 nights, with airfare, hotel and voucher for meals – also, a discounted ticket could be purchased for them to take a guest. Well, hold on – it wasn’t over – there was a second prize. Ten teams won the second prize. The second prize was a $1000 Wellness gift card for each team member – the prize could be used as a: spa weekend, a year’s gym membership with 5 personal training sessions, 10 massages at the spa of your choice or a Personal Chef who would cook 7 dinners for 4 people. As everyone walked out they were then given a large bag with all kind of Wellness goodies to keep up the good work.
It takes little to motivate individuals, to let them know that they matter within the organization and that they are respected and appreciated. I work for a company that does that – I am proud to be one of over 45,000 individuals who can say they are my employer.
Life is short, we are all great individuals – let’s work for great companies.
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