Working mothers and mature workers share a common thread when it comes to the workplace. Scripps Health has once again been listed by Working Mother magazine as one of America’s 100 Best Companies for family-friendly policies. Scripps also ranked No. 4 in the nation in AARP’s 2007 listing of the 50 Best Employers for Workers over 50 and Best Place to Work in San Diego for companies with 500 or more employees by San Diego Magazine.
At Scripps, mature and female employees are an important part of the workforce. About 33 percent are age 50 or older and 77 percent of Scripps’ employees are women. According to Vic Buzachero, senior vice president of human resources, “We believe it is important to provide our employees with a wide range of flexible benefits, to help them through the various cycles of their lives and careers.”
Working mothers can benefit from job sharing, telecommuting or flextime.
“Since mothers generally assume a primary responsibility for child care, having a flexible schedule allows them to participate in their children’s lives,” Buzachero added.
Human resources senior coordinator Deb Lambert worked for Scripps Health for five years before she went from full-time to part-time. Her position did not change, just her hours. As her children grew older, Lambert wanted more time to spend with them. She was fortunate that Scripps granted her the opportunity to create a schedule that worked for her.
“Flexibility is key,” Lambert said. “At Scripps, they value their employee enough to enable them to achieve a work-life balance. And this makes for a better workplace overall.”
Lambert adjusts her schedule weekly so she can fulfill duties that include teaching new employee orientation, customer service training, leadership development and cultural diversity classes. Sometimes classes are scheduled at night or on the days that Lambert is not scheduled to work; however, she shifts her schedule, especially since she appreciates the flexibility Scripps offers.
For ten years, Amanda Kienast has been employed by Scripps Health. The past seven of them she has worked part-time in a couple different positions. When Kienast took maternity leave, years ago, she wasn’t sure if she would return to work. Luckily there was another mom in the same situation, so a job-sharing position was created for the two of them. Currently Kienast is leader of recruitment marketing and program development, and has excelled with both her position and in the company.
“When I work, I am extremely productive, fresh and ready to put forth my best effort. I don’t burn out,” Kienast said.
She feels lucky to have the career she has, especially the benefits associated with Scripps.Employees have access to a concierge program in which they can get dry cleaning, car detailing discounts at theme parks and other entertainment venues, a Wellness Program, as well as LifeCare which offers counseling, legal and financial assistance among many other benefits.
Achieving these prestigious awards year after year reinforces the success Scripps Health has accomplished by listening to their employees’ needs and allowing them to grow within their positions.
For info, visit www.scrippshealth.org/careers.asp.