UW Hospital maintains national ranking through specialized family-friendly benefit programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Emily Kumlien
Date: September 16, 2014
UW Hospital maintains national ranking through specialized family-friendly benefit programs
MADISON- For the eighth year in a row University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics has been named one of the top 100 employers for working parents by Working Mother magazine, the only publication dedicated to working parents.
Benefit programs were recently expanded to offer discounts to employees at selected child care centers; begin an elder-care advising program; and launch a web-based service that helps staff find pet-sitters, housekeepers, child-care or elder -care providers. Flexibility with day care is a big priority and it allows both family and patient needs to be met.
“The hospital offers an in-home and center-based adult, child and elder back-up care program that allows staff to get to work and not disrupt patient care when employees have a gap in their usual care arrangements for family members.” said Kristin Kunz, program director of human resources.
In addition, this year, the hospital piloted a college advising program for staff and their families. The program offers seminars, web resources and personalized counseling with national experts in higher education to help employees and their children or grandchildren prepare and save for college.
These resources, benefits and unique programs sets UW Hospital apart as they strive to help staff balance work and family.
“UW Hospital is committed to attracting and retaining top-notch employees who provide world-class health care services to our patients. To attract and retain these employees, we continue to evaluate our benefit offerings to ensure we are providing family-friendly programs that help employees find that elusive balance in their professional and personal lives. This ultimately benefits the patients, their families and communities we serve,” said Kunz.
Last year Working Mother magazine praised the hospital’s new benefit policy providing one week of paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child.
UW Hospital and Clinics, with 592 beds, is one of Dane County’s largest employers. It was recently named by U.S. News and World Report for third straight year as Wisconsin’s top hospital.
