Kaiser Santa Rosa and Kaiser San Rafael Medical Centers
(Five-time winner)
SANTA ROSA/SAN RAFAEL – Most of the 500-plus Kaiser Permanente employees responding to the Best Places to Work survey describe a work atmosphere of support and collaboration that inspires them to do their best.
[caption id="attachment_25315" align="alignleft" width="254" caption="KP physicians, staff and family at the Marin Marathon (top) and Santa Rosa Heart Walk"][/caption]
“We genuinely want to make the community a better place and truly practice the best medicine in town,” says a Kaiser San Rafael employee. “We are a team, and we all feel it.”
Kaiser Permanente is the largest private-sector employer in both Marin and Sonoma counties, employing 4,500 people between the Santa Rosa and San Rafael medical centers. It is also the largest health maintenance organization (HMO) in the North Bay and one of the largest not-for-profit health organizations in the nation.
Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente pioneered the concept of integrating hospital care, health insurance and physician groups. In the midst of the worsening national health care crisis, the organization continues to provide top compensation and benefits to employees along with financially substantial, active community support.
“Kaiser Permanente continues to be challenged by the same economics affecting the state and region. Nevertheless, we remain optimistic, focused on delivering quality care and excellent service,” says Judy Coffey, senior vice president and area manager.
“Our physicians and employees have embraced a number of performance and service improvement projects."
Employees say that management has kept them well informed about the challenges the Kaiser organization faces.
“The management is more like having captains who steer the ship towards goals, providing each employee with the necessary information, steps and tools to reach those goals,” says one Kaiser employee.
Kaiser Permanente employees receive full health benefits for themselves and their dependents. Employees at both facilities have access to gym memberships, on-site exercise classes, wellness coaching and many other programs to support their personal health. Other programs such as continuing education, education leave and tuition reimbursement support their professional development as well.
”They encourage growth and learning and provide countless resources to do both,” said another employee. “They show their employees that they are appreciated as well as give back to the community. The values and goals of the company are aligned with health and wellness.”
