Working Mother Names Scripps Health a Top Company

Working Mother magazine has named Scripps Health to its 2013 list of America’s 100 Best Companies for its family-friendly policies, which include diverse benefits and work-life balance.

The selection will be published in the magazine’s October/November issue and on workingmother.com. This is the ninth consecutive year that Scripps has been included on this list.

“We are delighted to be recognized once again by Working Mother magazine for our family-friendly programs and policies," said Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of Scripps Health. "At Scripps, we are committed to listening to the needs of our staff by offering innovative benefits and programs that help promote a better work-life balance.”

Working Mother recognized Scripps for its commitment to progressive workplace programs, including child care, advancement, paid family leave and flexible work scheduling. Scripps allows its female workforce — 77 percent of its employee population — to adjust job responsibilities as family needs change.

Providing support during time of crisis

One such working mother at Scripps is registered nurse Michelle Edgin. As a dedicated emergency room nurse, Edgin works tirelessly to ease the pain and suffering of others. But when tragedy struck her own family, Edgin’s colleagues at Scripps Health stepped up to help ease some of her own personal burden.

Last September, Edgin came home from work to find her teenage daughter, Rebecca, had fallen ill and was struggling to breathe. Edgin rushed her to the hospital and after extensive testing, they were given the devastating news that Rebecca was suffering from acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia.

Life for the vibrant, 15-year-old freshman cheerleader quickly deteriorated into a blur of hospitalizations, doctor visits, and chemotherapy treatments.

Her daughter’s illness took an emotional and financial toll on the family, but Scripps helped Edgin by giving her a flexible schedule (tailored starting and stopping times) so she could remain by Rebecca’s side on those days that she underwent chemotherapy. Edgin also received financial assistance through the Scripps Helping Our Peers in Emergencies (HOPE) Fund. The HOPE Fund is a special collection of time and money donated by fellow employees used to provide select Scripps employees with paid time off (PTO) or financial assistance during unforeseen, urgent circumstances.

Scripps’ colleagues organized three bone marrow transplant drives to help Rebecca when she needed a bone marrow transplant. The drives resulted in more than 200 individuals signing up to become potential donors.

“I’m so blessed to have all those people helping me,” said Edgin. “I was really amazed at how so many of my Scripps colleagues came together to support us.”

Tragically, Rebecca passed away on April 16, 2013 — exactly seven months after she had been diagnosed with cancer. Edgin now takes comfort in the fact that the bone marrow drives in Rebecca’s honor may be life-saving for other people in need across the country. With her flexible schedule, she now dedicates her free time to helping other families in crisis.

A satisfied workforce

In honor of the 100 Best Companies, Working Mother has declared Oct. 15 the first National Flex Day to encourage support for workplace flexibility, an observance they plan to make an annual event.

At Scripps, more than 70 percent of employees have chosen to work some type of alternative schedule, including flexible scheduling, part-time or reduced hours per day or week, or alternative schedules such as four 10-hour days or three 12-hour days per week.

“In order to retain top talent, family-friendly flexible work schedules are a must — and they are a favorite of our working mothers,” said Victor Buzachero, corporate senior vice president of innovation, human resources and performance management. “For years, Scripps has offered numerous alternative work schedules, such as telecommuting, dual assignments and job-sharing, enabling employees to balance their professional and personal lives as well as develop new skills and work in various positions.”

The Working Mother’s 2013 100 Best Companies list is no longer available.