VCU Health System named Greater Richmond Area Employer of Choice

By Pamela DiSalvo Lepley
Division of University Relations

For the second consecutive year, the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System has been named the Greater Richmond Area Employer of Choice. The VCU Health System also received the national Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility. The award presentations were made Wednesday at the annual All Star Awards presented by the Richmond Human Resources Management Association and the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce.

 

The Employer of Choice award recognizes that the VCU Health System, with 7,600 employees, embodies a set of principles that are honored, a culture that is well defined and most importantly, is characterized by satisfied employees. The award recognizes organizations that distinguish themselves as great employers.

 

The Alfred P. Sloan award is sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and was awarded to the VCU Health System for its creativity in addressing employee needs for work week flexibility which is critical to workforce effectiveness.

 

“These awards are a wonderful affirmation of our workforce strategy, the strength of our people and our value to this community,” said John Duval, CEO of MCV Hospitals of the VCU Health System.

 

The VCU Health System is a nationally recognized leader in human resources for its workforce development initiatives, workplace flexibility and child care practices. The Center for Companies that Care has named the VCU Health System to its Honor Roll for two consecutive years, recognizing the organization’s commitment to elevating the quality of the work environment for employees and the quality of life for people in the community. The health system twice has been recognized by Working Mother magazine as a top 100 best company for working mothers.

 

“These honors recognize the many things we are doing right, and doing together in support of our 7,600 employees,” said Maria Curran, vice president of Human Resources and Childcare Services. “Each of our employees makes our health system an incredible place for patient care and a rewarding place to spend a career.”

 

The VCU Health System’s commitment to workforce development includes its HOPE Initiative, which focuses on seven domains of employee work-life balance. As part of this growing initiative, the VCU Health System recently established its new Adult Day Care program for employees with adult dependents.

 

“As Richmond’s only academic medical center and Level 1 Trauma Center, we care for the region’s sickest patients. These are not easy jobs,” said Sheldon Retchin, MD, VCU Health System CEO and vice president for VCU Health Sciences, “The awards recognize our dedication to our workforce and our appreciation for their contributions to the community and to our patients.”

 

The award was presented at a ceremony Wednesday at the Richmond Convention Center.