Monthly Highlight – Promising Practice: “Proactive Culture Change”
Workforce | June 24, 2019 | by Susan Hildebrandt
In 2012, the Indiana-based Byron Health Center culture was focused more on discipline than on a positive environment for residents -- and staff. Employees didn’t have fun at the community – or realize that where they worked was the residents’ home.
The CEO set out to change this and tapped an internal group to answer the question, “how do you want to feel when you come to work?”
- The team developed a formal culture based on 6 principles: commitment, communication, compassion, integrity, passion, and respect.
- These values became part of new employee interviews, coaching and, employee evaluations.
- Most infractions are now due to staff not respecting the community’s principles – not because of regulatory issues.
What makes the program successful?
- Support from the board and all team members, especially those who work most closely with the residents.
- Byron’s CMS 5-star rating went from 2 to 5, and it’s now in the 90th percentile in the state.
- Employees are happier: one former housekeeper has gotten her master’s degree and is now a department leader.
These outstanding outcomes are notable: Byron serves a vulnerable community with multiple diagnoses such as psychiatric and developmental disorders, along with medical issues.
Read more about this culture change practice here.