Hospital recognized for outstanding Work-Life Program

For the second consecutive year, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital and Northwestern Memorial HealthCare have earned the WorldatWork's Alliance for Work-Life Progress Work-Life Seal of Distinction.

This designation recognizes employers, in both the private and public sector, who demonstrate leadership in workplace strategies and practices to help employees achieve success in work-life effectiveness.

Northwestern Memorial was among 66 organizations nationwide to earn the seal of distinction. The award recognizes work-life initiatives at both Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital.

"At Northwestern Memorial, we strive to create a supportive environment that allows for balance of professional and personal responsibilities for all of our employees," said Dean L. Manheimer, senior vice president of human resources at Northwestern Memorial HealthCare.

"The Work-Life Seal of Distinction reflects our commitment to work-life initiatives and highlights the many workplace policies, programs, and practices that support our working families."

To receive the Work-Life Seal of Distinction, applicants were evaluated on the breadth and depth of their work-life portfolio and provided evidence of their support in seven areas spanning dependent care, health and wellness, workplace flexibility, financial support for economic security, paid and unpaid time off, community involvement and efforts to transform organizational culture.

Specific examples at Northwestern Memorial and Northwestern Lake Forest include:

• Health and wellness programs;

• Financial supports, including a 401(k) with employer match, financial planning, tuition reimbursement, continuing education, and employee crisis assistance;

• Support for working mothers, including on-site new parenting classes; a robust maternity leave program; lactation rooms; and a state-of-the-art, newly expanded, on-site child care center;

• Flexible work schedules;

• Community involvement and volunteer opportunities.

To learn more about Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital's efforts that support employee work-life integration, visit www.lfh.org.