WellSpan Health was recently recognized for its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, training programs and leadership by national and regional publications including Newsweek and Training Magazine.
In response to a survey of human resource professionals in late 2022 coupled with reviews of more than 350,000 companies nationwide, Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group recognized WellSpan as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity. The surveyors noted the importance of diversity in the workplace being more than just a discussion point, but instead deliberate leadership and actionable initiatives and that leads to real organizational change in supporting a diverse workforce.
WellSpan’s Inclusion Champion program was also honored by Training Magazine’s “Training Apex Awards.” The program is one of five “Outstanding Training Initiative Awards” presented by the group. Nearly 150 WellSpan team members graduated from the first offering of the program in 2022 and were trained to actively serve as allies and promoters of equity for each other and our patients.
“At WellSpan, we believe diversity includes all the human characteristics that make each of us similar as well as unique, and we actively seek to understand, embrace, and promote the diversity of our lived experiences to advance our culture of inclusion,” Kim Brister, vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. “Our programs and inclusive culture are one in which every person feels welcomed, respected, and valued.”
WellSpan was also honored by Training Magazine with its 14th consecutive Training Apex Award for the strength of its training programs as a whole – including a 12th consecutive recognition as the best health system in the country.
The annual awards assess the level of an organization’s investment in employee development, the scope of development programs, how closely the development efforts are linked to business goals and objectives, and their effectiveness in terms of business impact.
Additionally, for the second straight year, Kim Brister has been named to the Power of Diversity: Black 100 by City & State Pennsylvania, a publication that covers state and local government as well as political and advocacy news.
City & State’s Black 100 is comprised of politicians, scientists, journalists, doctors, lawyers, musicians and athletes. They are considered advocates who continue to demand fair and equal treatment as well as those that speak to the needs of Black communities.
Brister is WellSpan’s internal and external advocate for speaking to the needs of its diverse communities and continues to advance our mission around creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where team members feel empowered to take an active role in our DEI work.
By being more inclusive, WellSpan can deliver patient-focused, seamless, high-quality care across the care continuum to maximize value for patients and consumers.
In support of this commitment, WellSpan is also planning a free day of mentorship to inspire youth to consider medical careers and improve today’s racially disproportionate medical workforce. On March 25, WellSpan will host the first Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit in Pennsylvania, in York. The Summit will be held at William Penn High School and will offer students in grades 7-12 a full day of healthcare career exploration. Click here to learn more.
