by Brenda Maceo and Alicia Di Rado
City of Hope employees agree that patient safety and rewards and recognition of staff remain top priorities for the institution, according to this year’s follow-up to the 2008 organizational survey.
In all, 2,250 employees responded to the institution-wide survey in May — the highest participation ever at City of Hope. The survey asked for staff members’ targeted perceptions of City of Hope: where the institution is making progress and where more work remains to be done.
“It is clear from this latest survey that we all continue to share a belief in City of Hope and a commitment to supporting our mission,” said Michael A. Friedman, M.D., president and chief executive officer. “Despite the many challenges we face, the survey indicated we have confidence that we are well-positioned for success as an organization.”
Friedman noted that economic times are “complex and unpredictable,” and the survey results help institution leaders understand employees’ concerns and identify ways to strengthen the organization and improve its work environment during these times.
“City of Hope staff work very hard, and the results indicated we feel tremendous pride in what we contribute through that work,” he said. Survey responses also indicate employees share a belief in City of Hope and a commitment to supporting its mission. Responses in these areas were well above benchmarks among peer institutions.
Overall, there were not significant changes in employees’ concerns compared to the 2008 survey, but results illuminate a few specific areas, such as patient safety and employee rewards and recognition.
According to the follow-up survey, faculty and staff agree that patient safety should remain a top priority and that staff must continue to be actively engaged in safety efforts. Employees also expressed that employees must be rigorous in patient safety practices, and not take success for granted. Friedman noted that the recent, successful first phase of implementation of the City of Hope Information System will support and enhance patient safety practices.
Survey results addressing rewards and recognition showed employees felt more appreciated in departments where new recognition efforts have been launched. The first phase of this project, which coaches managers on how to acknowledge performance more effectively, was rolled out in June. Across the institution, less formal programs are taking place, and feedback indicates they are having a positive impact.
Where rewards and recognition programs have not yet been implemented, staff expressed that the absence of such efforts impairs their sense of connection to City of Hope. “It is clear that recognition of employees’ contributions to our mission is important. We have more work to do in this area and will continue to roll out programs to offer supervisors and staff at all levels tools to more fully develop this aspect of our culture,” Friedman said.
Employees also expressed concern that the Executive Team (Friedman, Debra Fields, Richard Jove, Kathleen Kane, Virginia Opipare and Robert Stone) is not fully visible and accessible. The coming year will offer many opportunities to improve the team’s visibility, including expanded City Forums, he said.
Friedman also encouraged employees to share issues significant to their specific department or area with their supervisor or the Organizational Development staff. “By voicing your opinions and suggestions,” he said, “you can actively participate in addressing and improving issues you believe are important in your area.”
