Employee Online
Suggestion Box

Your Suggestion Could Result in a Cash Reward (Up to $5,000).

The “We Can Do This” online suggestion box is off to a great start with over 260 employee suggestions submitted during the first week of the program! The Employee Online Suggestion Box provides you with the opportunity to earn a cash reward for cost saving suggestions. If your suggestion is selected for implementation, you could receive 25% of the expected savings! Expected savings are calculated based on the first 12 months of implementation, up to $5,000.

Getting Started
To get started, go to Employee.net, click on the link that says “Click Here to Visit Our New Employee Forum,” then click on the “Make Suggestion Now” link at the bottom of the green box. Use the content bar on the left to navigate the site’s rules and application process.

All employees of Woman’s Hospital (excluding vice-presidents, directors and members of the Suggestion Review Committee) are eligible to participate. Suggestions should be submitted as soon as possible since duplicate suggestions are not eligible.

Implementing Suggestions
A Review Committee consisting of representatives from various departments will review each suggestion and select the top suggestion (s) for further review by the administrative team. A cost analysis will be performed for each suggestion selected. If implementation is decided, the submitter (s) of that specific suggestion will receive a cash reward. Although every effort will be made to evaluate suggestions in a timely manner, some cost analysis must be evaluated over a longer time period, which may take up to six months.

Suggestions should represent practical and feasible improvements to some part of Woman’s Hospital and be able to be measured and implemented quickly. Selections will be made based on the following criteria: feasibility, measurability, and speed of implementation, cost impact, and impact on patients, employees and/or community.

If you have any questions regarding the Employee Online Suggestion Box, please contact Human Resources at 924-8655.

We Can Do This!
Pay and Benefits Update

There are many questions and much anxiety surrounding the pay and benefits changes already announced and those being considered. Frequently Asked Questions are in the process of being posted to the Intranet and will be updated as needed. In the meantime, it’s important to keep you up-to-date as decisions are made. Here are decisions made relative to the “We Can Do This” initiative for this year:

Health, Life and Dental Benefits

All changes to these programs were announced in November 2008. No further changes will be made.

Shift Differentials

Our shift differentials are intentionally higher than market for nights and weekends and meet our needs for staffing and skill mix. There are no plans to reduce shift differentials.

Retirement Plan

Our retirement plan is generous as compared to most, and it’s one of the benefits that our employees most value. Retirement plan benefits are not under review and there are no plans to reduce or eliminate the matching contribution.

Merit Increases/Bonuses

From February 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010, employees will receive a merit increase of up to 3% based on performance appraisal score. Any percentage of a merit increase may be converted to bonus at the employee’s discretion. Employees who are at the maximum of the pay grade will receive a bonus in lieu of a merit increase to base salary. The 3% maximum merit/bonus opportunity is based on the predicted national salary increase average of 2.5%. The separate merit bonus opportunity has been discontinued. Merit increases and bonuses will be based on performance appraisal score as follows:

*Appraisal Score Range*	*Merit Increase and/or Bonus*
2.81 – 3.00	3%
2.61 – 2.80	2%
2.41 – 2.60	1%
<2.40	0%

Our Wage and Salary Administration policy has been updated to reflect these changes and can be found on the HR section of the Intranet.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

No changes will be made to our PTO plan. In light of our current reductions in volume, many employees are using PTO to offset time not worked. There are no plans to eliminate the PTO program now or in the future.

Extended Leave Bank (ELB)

The ELB program is not under review and there are no plans to make any changes to this benefit.

Still Under Consideration

Duration of leave of absence
Call pay administration – no plans to eliminate call pay, but are evaluating call necessity and use in each department
Overtime utilization

Upcoming Classes
at Woman's Center for Wellness
Stop by the service desk at the Fitness Club at Woman's Center for Wellness to pick up the new fee-based program calendar. Register at the service desk, by calling 924-8300 or online at www.womans.org.

We now offer a variety of programs that are open to the public, hospital employees as well as to Fitness Club Members. Fitness Club members receive a discount. Employees who are not members receive a discount off the general public fees.

Fitness Club Programs
Register at the Fitness Club service desk at the Woman's Center for Wellness or pay by phone by calling 924-8300.

Stroke Technique Clinic – This 4-week clinic will help make you a more efficient swimmer and perfect your swim stroke. February 14^th – March 7^th, 7:30 – 8:30 am

Swimming Base Training – Eight week Swim endurance training with a 90 minute coached practice each week and two additional practices each week. March 2^nd – April 20^th, 5:30 – 7:00 am

Eat Well to Live Well - Choose from a three- or six-month program that includes weekly private nutrition counseling, group education classes, cooking classes, and grocery store tours.

3-month program starts on February 16^th.
6-month program starts on February 23^rd.

Nutrition Bites - Join our support groups to discuss nutrition topics and receive group nutrition counseling and education. A bimonthly weight tracking program and an individualized meal plan guide are included.

Posture 101 – After a postural analysis (non-diagnostic) this 6 week program will focus on your specific posture issues. An individualized posture program will be given when the course is completed. February 19^th – March 26^th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Sports Performance Boot Camp – This 16-session program is designed to optimize athletic performance and reduce the potential for injury through comprehensive training that improves core strength, balance, and enhance agility and speed in the sport of your choice. March 2^nd – April 22^nd, 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Women, Fitness and Weight Loss –This six-week comprehensive program includes individual consultations with our Exercise Physiologist and Registered Dietitian. In addition there are supervised group personal training sessions three times per week and additional nutrition programs. March 2^nd – April 9^th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Lunch Crunch – Learn the proper and most effective way to “crunch” away your middle during your lunch hour. These guided exercises target the back, abdomen, and buttocks to help strengthen your body’s core and support your spine. March 5^th – March 26^th, Noon to 1:00 pm

Pilates Allegro Reformer Classes – The Pilates Reformer is a specialized piece of Pilates equipment designed to develop core stability, flexibility, coordination and balance. Our trainers will provide the guidance needed to ensure your workouts fit your individual needs and fitness goals. Choose from small group classes, private or semi-private training.

Healthy Steps Seminar Series
Register at the Woman's Center for Wellness outpatient service desk or pay by phone by calling 924-8709.
Each 90 minute seminar builds on the education and exercise from one class to the next. A lecture portion plus an activity segment will allow the participants to practice the skills taught in each class. These seminars are priced to be very budget friendly.

Finding Your Core I – Learn the basics of abdominal exercises and how to do them correctly. This class is ideal for anyone with a history of weak abdominal muscles, abdominal surgery, osteoporosis, back injuries, or is new to exercise. February 3^rd, 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Back to Basics – If you are at risk of developing osteoporosis, have back pain, or are recovering from a back injury, keeping your back strong and tall is important. Learn how to maintain good posture, and how to protect your back during daily activities. February 5^th – 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Finding Your Core II – Building on the basics learned in Finding your Core I, this class adds more challenging and traditional abdominal exercises to your routine. The instructor will assess the strength and tone of your abdominal muscles and recommend exercises right for you. February l0th, 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Standing Tall – This class takes you beyond the Back to Basics class and will teach you exercises specifically designed to strengthen your abs, back and leg muscles. These exercises will also improve balance and flexibility especially for those who suffer from osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, or recovering from a back injury. February 12^th, 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Exercise Tool Box – Learn the basics of how to exercise. Terminology, judging intensity, using a workout card and machine set-up are just a few topics to get you started on the right foot. February 19^th, 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Stress Management & Relaxation – Learn to recognized and manage stress along with relaxation techniques that can help you heal your body and cope with fatigue. March 3^rd, 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Demystifying Good Nutrition – A registered dietitian will help you sort through good nutrition facts and fads. The nutrition needs for weight loss, fibromyalgia, cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease are just a few conditions that will be highlighted. March 5^th, 5:30 – 7:00 pm

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