Michigan Works Prosperity Award Press Release
Hillsdale, Mich. – The Hillsdale Community Health Center (HCHC) was named the 2014 Michigan Works! Association Prosperity Award winner with a tribute from Senator Bruce Caswell and recognition from the Governor’s Office. The award arrives as a result of a nomination from South Central Michigan Works (SCMW) for collaboration with them and the Hillsdale Economic Development Corporation for significant investments in training funds to meet new State guidelines and enhance the customer experience of our patients. According to Luann Dunsford, Chief Executive Officer of Michigan Works Association; “The Prosperity Award recognizes significant accomplishments within our communities and showcases economic impact resulting from newly created jobs, transformational training, and effective talent pipeline development.”
In 2011, HCHC joined partnership with South Central Michigan Works (SCMW) to launch a new employment on-boarding process aimed at recruiting and developing top talent within the organization. As a result, all prospective employees seeking employment must complete a Job Fit Profile which measures the applicant’s aptitude and work preference compared to others who are already doing the same job within the hospital. During the same time, an intense training session was held for staff members resulting in a peer to peer interview process whereby peers performing the same job at the hospital have a voice in the interview process and ultimately who is hired. To round out the process, HCHC implemented the use of a national standardized selection system which aids in the identification of cognitive and social skills. Together, these tools provide for a comprehensive hiring process that assures our hospital is hiring employees who will model great customer service skills while embracing the new organizational culture.
All of these on boarding and recruitment efforts have resulted in a significantly reduced turnover rate for the hospital dropping from double digits prior to 2010 to under 4% as presently measured. Reduced turnover rates result in fewer costs spent on boarding and training new employees and establishes longevity for the organization. The new process launched several years ago is an excellent process for identifying and recruiting top talent as well as retaining high performers. We now boast of an engaged workforce represented by a 98% employee satisfaction survey completed by the staff. We are grateful for the funding and support from SCMW for ongoing and advanced staff education that has significantly contributed to our fully engaged workforce with new and retooled skills.
