It’s time to have your say

USA Health employees have another opportunity to help improve our organization through this year’s Employee Engagement Survey, which was distributed by email on Monday.

The anonymous online survey is available through Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021. To participate, employees click on a link in the email and access the survey, which does not require a password or J-number.

“We want USA Health to be a very special place to work,” said Owen Bailey, chief executive officer of USA Health. “We believe that employees who are engaged are a key part of that equation.”

Bailey praised the dedication shown by employees during the past 18 months. “We appreciate each and every one of you,” he said. “It has been a difficult year and a half, but everyone has risen to the challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Employees who complete the survey will receive a $6 meal voucher that can be redeemed at either USA Health hospital cafe. Only those hired before May 15, 2021, will receive an invitation to participate.

At the end of this year’s survey, respondents will have a chance to suggest priorities for the health system by answering this question: “To conclude our survey, our CEO Owen Bailey would like to start a conversation with you about USA Health. As an organization, we are committed to continue this conversation based on your comments. How would you answer this question from Owen: “If I were CEO, I would ….”

Employee feedback will also create a new Leadership Index which will provide a unique roadmap for each leader to better engage their employees. “Your engagement is very critical,” said Kerry Flowers, director of employment for USA Health. “We believe you can help USA Health continue in our quest to be a great organization.”

Results from the 2020 survey resulted in positive actions involving compensation, teachers’ retirement, PTO policy and benefits. After the previous survey, USA Health addressed these areas:

• Compensation: We utilized a compensation company (Pay Scale) to develop philosophy and grades, and update salary ranges for our entire system. We are on schedule to complete the review by end of the calendar year.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): As part of a review of our policy, we standardized PTO days across USA Health, including adding Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, while giving managers and employees flexibility on how to utilize PTO within their areas.
• Retirement: We reiterated that there are no plans on USA Health’s part to eliminate the Teachers’ Retirement System benefit.
• Benefits: We plan to add short-term disability insurance on Oct. 1, 2021, at no cost to employees.

The Employee Engagement Survey is administered by Press Ganey Associates. Responses will be protected with only anonymous results shared with health system leaders.