Communications

(Nov. 8, 2024) – Strategies that address workforce recruitment and retention are essential to providing optimal health in Kansas. Our series featuring workforce strategies will recognize teams of employees, providers and volunteers who have significantly contributed to the well-being, retention and recruitment of health care workers at their facilities.  

The COVID-19 pandemic created immense challenges for health care organizations everywhere. It also spurred a reconsideration of workplace culture. Rice Community Healthcare in Lyons, took the challenges learned from the pandemic and turned them into motivation to create the Employee Wellness Committee.

In 2022, their main focus was simple: creating a workplace where everyone felt supported and valued, both physically and mentally. They secured a grant from WorkWellKS, a statewide initiative to improve Kansas workplaces' health. With this support, they built a first-of-its-kind committee for RCH. This committee is comprised of 13 members from different departments spanning nursing, maintenance, admissions and more, who serve a minimum one-year term.

"From the very beginning, our committee has been purposefully structured to include the voices of those who might not serve on any other committees within our organization. We try to represent as many different departments and shifts as possible to bring a wide variety of opinions to the table," said George Stover, CEO.

To drive their wellness agenda forward, committee members got to work by creating initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles by focusing on physical health and mental wellness. The programs have included fitness and weight loss challenges, revitalization of outdoor areas to encourage outdoor activities and breaks, the addition of massage chairs in the break room and the establishment of the Employee Incentive Program, which empowers employees with a diverse range of wellness activities and bonus incentives tailored to nurture their physical, mental and emotional health. In late 2023, members developed progressive policies prioritizing the health and happiness of RCH employees, including implementing a fully paid six-week paternity and maternity leave program and an expanded bereavement policy to better support employees during difficult times. Both these programs reflect the commitment to meeting the evolving needs of today's families.

The changes have been positive at RCH. "We've observed significant improvements in morale, job satisfaction and overall mental and physical health among our staff. This has reduced burnout and increased resilience in facing workplace challenges," said Stover.

This reconsideration of the culture led to RCH rewriting its vision statement. "Healthy Employees, Healthy Community" brings this new focus to the forefront.

"We're proud to be advocates for the health and wellness of our team members because we believe that when our team is at their best, they can provide the highest quality care to our community," said Stover.
--Shelby Stacy