Virginia health care facility says it's thriving by rewarding employees with bonuses
While many hospitals and health care systems struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Goodwin House assisted living facility says it is thriving. (7News)
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (7News) — While many hospitals and health care systems struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, one Northern Virginia senior living facility says it is thriving.
The Goodwin House in Alexandria says it has a different approach.
“Our foundation came through in a really big way," Fran Casey, Chief People Officer at the Goodwin House. “We looked at how to we take care of our staff, people lost their jobs and couldn’t come to work."
The Goodwin House is a continuing care facility for older adults where residents live and get professional care at the same time.
Casey said on Day One, they put a big focus on taking care of employees.
“We were able to provide COVID grants, groceries to staff and an opportunity for gratitude bonuses,” Casey explained.
Casey said she is unaware of any other health care facility taking the approach they are.
“This past pay period, as of yesterday," Casey said. "People saw an additional $500 on their paychecks that we gave because again we are right in the thick of it."
In addition, the Ceca foundation headquartered in the District also made a big impact on the lives of health care workers at dozens of facilities
“I think the unique thing about our program is it is about our doctors and nurses but housekeeping staff and food services," Nathan Hamme said. "Anybody who makes a difference with a little act of kindness can be reminded why they come to work everyday and the type of impact they make."
According to Casey, she says the employees are happy despite COVID burnout. "You reap what you sow," Casey said.
