Employee Engagement Survey results show strengths, areas for improvement

A record 84 percent of Yale New Haven Hospital employees completed the 2018 Employee Engagement Survey, which shows areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Survey participation exceeded the maximum Performance Incentive Plan goal. Managers will share their department/unit results with employees over the next few weeks.

“We appreciate our employees’ candid feedback on the engagement survey because it informs our efforts to provide the best working environment,” said Kevin A. Myatt, Yale New Haven Health System senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “Survey results over the past few years have guided a number of major changes, including high reliability, employee health programs and benefits improvements.” 

Results of the 2018 survey indicate that employees are proud to work here, with over 90 percent saying they would recommend the hospital to a friend/family member. Results also showed that a majority of employees have confidence in senior leadership.

“We are glad to see that employees trust us to do the right thing for our patients and employees, and they recognize our commitment to communicating in a clear and transparent manner,” said YNHH President Richard D’Aquila. “We established senior leader rounding so we could connect with employees and the work they do. We enjoy rounding, and I’m glad to hear employees also find it valuable.”

While survey results show a number of strengths, they also point to a need for improvement in critical areas such as work-life balance, job stress and staffing. Some of the things causing employees’ stress are unavoidable, as more patients with serious conditions seek the advanced care YNHH provides. The health system continues to grow and be successful, but in an environment of reduced reimbursements and other financial challenges. This means everyone must find ways to work more efficiently.

“We’re concerned about the stress and burnout our employees are experiencing and want to make sure that we address this together head on,” D’Aquila said.

Over the next few weeks, he and other senior leaders will round on departments to hear from employees what they think is working – and not working – and how the hospital can help alleviate their stress.

“Employees’ voices are important and we want to hear from them how we can continue to make Yale New Haven one of the best places to work,” D’Aquila said. “I also want to be sure employees understand that the work they do matters to our patients and their families. We wouldn’t be able to provide the outstanding care we do if it weren’t for our employees’ dedication.”