The Psychologically Healthy Workplace 

Hawai‘i Pacific Health is the state’s largest healthcare system, covering four affiliated hospitals and 44 outpatient clinics including:

• Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children,
• Pali Momi Medical Center,
• Straub Clinic & Hospital and
• Wilcox Memorial Hospital.

Leaders in women’s health, cardiovascular care, pediatrics, cancer care and bone and joint services, these hospitals not only demonstrate commitment to a healthy community but also to a sound workplace environment for over 5,400 employees.

Employee Involvement is highly valued at HPH. Round table meetings, suggestion boxes, departmental meetings and face-to-face supervision all serve to spiral information back up the system to inform policy and growth initiatives.

The company covers costs of up to $450 for Tobacco Cessation programs for employees, which includes hypnosis and medications. They also pay for 9 of the10 year-round weight watchers programs.

Beyond this, HPH also offers employees access to healthy life-balance wellness programs, diabetes management resources, and trendy conflict resolution classes. They offer a round-the-clock telephone work injury line for further support and information on resources should untoward events result in employee injury.

"Flex" hours are available for full-time employees at departmental discretion, and part-time and per-diem staff are also on board. Elder care and child care referrals are available through the Employee Assistance Program.

Health benefits cover employees, spouses, domestic partners and children.

Employee growth and development policies at HPH are rather astounding. HPH offers $5,000 in tuition reimbursement yearly to student employees in graduate and undergraduate programs. Employees interested in career advancement can refer themselves for intensive training to a year long "Bridge to Leadership" program. Moreover, Continuing Education seminars and field-relevant conferences are fully funded by HPH. Divisional meetings, quarterly luncheons, dinners and breakfasts are also offered for staff. Internship opportunities are offered to high school and undergraduate students in our community, some of whom have gone on to become employees at HPH. Senior level retreats take management off-island for trainings and collaborations toward company-wide goal attainment.

Employee recognition efforts are evident across many levels. The Newsletter consistently recognizes individual employees for accomplishments. Pictures are posted in the cafeteria, and staff meetings place an emphasis on saying thank you, as well. At work-fairs, prizes are given for specific landmarks, and employees celebrating their 5th, 10th, 15th and 20th years are formally recognized in corporate gala dinners. HPH also offers on-the-spot cash awards, certificates of achievement and gift cards when an employee is recognized for going the extra mile.

Newsletters, eBulletins, Gallop surveys and suggestion boxes allow for information to flow up and down the executive chain.

Community service is a central part of HPH’s mission. They are involved with the Employee Giving Program (which encourages employees to assist other employees in need), the American Heart Walk, the Straub 10K Women’s Race, Children’s Miracle Network, United Way, the Susan J. Coleman Foundation, Kids’ Fest, Community Health Fairs, the Community Vision Fair, and various food drives (based on need). HPH provides free medical support to community races or other events around holidays.

In FY2009, $108 million were directed towards community benefit, a $10 million portion of which was directed toward charity and uncompensated medical care.