Goshen Health System ranked #1 in the nation for Overall Job Satisfaction

For immediate release: Feb. 19, 2009

GOSHEN, Ind. - When employees take ownership and pride in their work, both the employees and the company they work for win. When those employees are Colleagues of Goshen Health System, satisfaction with work translates to better patient care, and that means everyone wins - the Colleagues, the health system, the community, and most importantly, the patient.

Goshen Health System has been ranked the top healthcare organization in the nation for "Overall Job Satisfaction," according to newly-released data from HR Solutions International, Inc.

Setting a new benchmark, Goshen exceeded HR Solutions' National Healthcare Normative Data in all 18 categories measured, according to Murat Philippe, Principal Consultant for HR Solutions.

"On behalf of HR Solutions, I would like to congratulate Goshen Health System for creating a top-tier organizational culture and rewriting the book on what it means to be a Best-in-ClassTM organization," Philippe said.

HR Solutions, a Chicago-based consulting firm, is the only firm of its kind endorsed by the American Hospital Association for surveys and other services related to measuring and improving employee engagement and retention.

Goshen Health System Colleagues participated in the HR Solutions' survey in December of 2008. Those Colleague responses were compared to more than 350,000 respondents nationally, with the results placing the health system at the top of HR Solutions' National Healthcare Database.

"Every day we work to create an environment where our Colleagues can live out their personal mission while bringing to life the mission of Goshen Health System," said James O. Dague, President and CEO of Goshen Health System. "Being ranked number one in the nation in Overall Job Satisfaction by HR Solutions is a reflection of the Colleagues embracing that environment. Since high levels of job satisfaction are associated with excellence in service, it is no surprise that our Colleagues demonstrate a dedication and commitment to their patients that is truly unique."

In addition to the health system's ranking as number one in Overall Job Satisfaction, no other health care organization nationally scored higher in the following categories:
" Concern for Patient Care
" Productivity and Efficiency
" Promotions and Career Advancement

Furthermore, Goshen ranked in the top 1 percent in Understanding and support of the organization's Strategy and Mission; Communication; Pay Satisfaction; and Satisfaction with Physical Working Conditions.

Finally, Goshen Health System Colleagues ranked the health system as "Best in Class" - or in the top 10 percentile in 16 out of 18 categories surveyed, putting the health system in the top 1 percentile for overall job satisfaction among all companies surveyed by HR Solutions nationwide.

The additional "Best in Class" categories include Concern for Colleagues, Coworker Performance and Cooperation, Leadership Promotion of Teamwork, Training and Development, and Benefits Satisfaction.

Earlier this year, Goshen Health System was named among the Best Places to Work in Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce for the 3rd consecutive year. Such recognition speaks of unmatched Colleague satisfaction.

Among the best practices in place to create a positive work environment for its almost 1400 Colleagues, Goshen Health System has implemented a The Uncommon Leader program. Through the TUL program, Colleagues have the power to improve the processes they do each day. All Colleagues are empowered to submit ideas, including cost savings ideas that improve efficiency and patient care on a daily basis.

In 2008 alone, Colleagues submitted nearly $3 million in cost savings ideas. In over a decade, those savings are in the area of $20 million. Colleagues who generate ideas that produce tangible income and cost savings are eligible for gain sharing and receive a cash award for their initiative.

About Goshen Health System:
Goshen Health System is a not-for-profit provider of health care that includes Goshen General Hospital, The Goshen Center for Cancer Care, Park Home Medical Equipment, PrimeCare Physician Network, Team:Bariatrics, The Retreat Women's Health Center and Indiana Lakes Managed Care Organization. The health system is an affiliate partner of Clarian Health. For more information about Goshen Health System, contact Bridget Levitz, Public Relations Coordinator at 574-535-2776 or visit www.goshenhealth.org.

About HR Solutions International, Inc.
HR Solutions is recognized by the American Hospital Association for its employee opinion surveys and related services. The Chicago-based firm is an international human capital management consulting firm that empowers organizations to increase temployee engagement and customer loyalty via its results-oriented survey instruments, consulting, training and development programs. For more information, please visit www.hrsolutionsinc.com, or call (312) 863-6104.