Best Places to Work in Maine

B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 1 6 34 LARGE COMPANIES [ 250+ employees ] Whether it's helping a 68-year- old recover from pneumonia or guiding fi rst-time parents as they care for their newborn, the staff at InterMed—a physician-owned multi- specialty healthcare organization—feels a deep sense of reward knowing they make a difference in people's lives. "Healthcare workers typically choose this fi eld because they want to help people," said CEO Dan McCormack. "Our employees share a passion for providing the best, most compassionate care." E m p l o y e e s f a c e challenges of rapid change in this fi eld, as new technology and best practices impact the work. To keep staff up- to-date, the company has two full-time clinical trainers; provides regular training on compliance, HIPAA, and other relevant topics; and offers tuition reimbursement for regional and national educational opportunities. The tangible rewards are excellent. "We offer a benefi ts package and compensation that is competitive in the market," said McCormack. "And while healthcare is a serious business, it's important to enjoy our time at work." So there are plenty of activities to add fun to the day, including the annual Employee Appreciation Barbeque, Baseball Opening Day celebration, Super Bowl Potluck lunch, pumpkin- carving contests, and more. A large employee event is currently being planned for next spring. And don't forget the Ugly Sweater Contest, a p o p u l a r h o l i d ay tradition, with some employees shopping for the most competitive outfi t and others designing their own. Prizes are awarded in several categories, and McCormack has the honor of serving as judge. Recognition programs include the Spot Award, honoring employees for outstanding work. Past recipients, for example, created new workfl ows, trained co-workers and helped their team through a transition. Recipients receive a certifi cate, monetary gift and recognition in the newsletter and on Facebook. Recognitions also come for service anniversaries and personal milestones. A f a m i l y - f r i e n d l y e m p l o y e r, InterMed creates baby care packages for parents-to-be, complementing the disability and FMLA process. This year, the company expects to give over 30 baby care baskets to staff. The company provides scheduling fl exibility, and allows employees and physicians to donate unused PTO for co-workers facing an emergency. Employees are valued for their ideas, and there are opportunities for professional growth and mentoring. As part of InterMed's commitment to the community, the company offers employees an annual paid day off to volunteer at one of several nonprofi ts. "Employee satisfaction is refl ected in every patient interaction," said McCormack. "Our people are the heart of InterMed." InterMed, P.A. Satisfaction in making a difference InterMed, P.A. 100 Gannett Drive, Suite C, South Portland 04106 Top local executive: Dan McCormack, CEO Year established: 1994 Maine employees: 714 Website: www.intermed.com Human resources contact: Jodie Griffi th 207-523-3721 jgriffi th@intermed.com # 6 InterMed HR's Michelle Prejean and Lisa Crockett have been busy making baby basket deliveries, presented to staff who have an addition (or two) to their family. Baskets include diapers, a blanket, a family fi rst aid kit, and more. Employees at Sebasticook Valley Health (SVH)—a critical access hospital established in 1963—had plenty of tips about what makes the organization such a great place to work: "Feels like family." " O p p o r t u n i t y t o weigh in/contribute to important decisions." "Improved communication." "Positive recognition." "Love my workplace/ SVH." "Terri Vieira and her senior leadership." "Teamwork; how we treat each other." W h e n d e f i n i n g the company's work culture, CEO Terri Vieira said a couple of words instantly come to mind—"ownership" and "innovation." Combined with a sense of togetherness, collaboration, caring for each other, and being there for the patients and the community, that speaks a lot to the philosophy of patient connection through employee engagement in all aspects of the decision-making, planning and innovation process. "We benefit by having a highly engaged workforce who act as owners," Vieira said. Numerous programs cultivate a healthy work/life balance. Hospital Week activities include fun events such as basket raffl es, make your own sundaes, c h a i r m a s s a g e s, container gardening demonstrations, yoga and popcorn. Other activities include the holiday party and holiday decorating c o n t e s t , a u t u m n barbecue, summer family barbecue with games, employee photo contest and a monthly birthday cake with give-away movie tickets. Recognition programs include Values Awards, which recognize i n d i v i d u a l s q u a r t e r l y w h o demonstrate continual contributions to SVH's values of Quality, Respect, Service, Collaboration, Integrity, Safety and Innovation. There's the Annual Employee Recognition Dinner and the Good Show Form, which allows staffers to recognize peers. The Summit Award is the highest recognition, distinguishing one employee annually who contributed to SVH's strategic priorities and emulates the hospital's values and competencies. Health and wellness are top priorities toward enhancing work life. A wellness coach offers one-on- one health coaching, and the wellness committee delivers fruit to all employees while providing education about National Health Observance topics. SVH also offers wellness challenges through the Virgin Pulse rewards program. In this challenging 24/7/365 environment, scheduling fl exibility contributes to work/life balance while meeting patient needs. Professional development and open- door discussions also help staff meet this changing world. Unsurprisingly for this selfless p r o f e s s i o n , e m p l o y e e s e n j o y volunteering at a community welcome table, offer courtesy van service to patients, and donate "Jeans Friday" funds to local charities. "What we do is tough—helping patients at one of their most trying times in their lives—and it's impactful to have employees enjoy their time spent in the workplace," Vieira said. Sebasticook Valley Health proudly displays their Best Places to Work in Maine banner from 2015. Sebasticook Valley Health 447 North Main St., Pittsfi eld 04967 Top local executive: Terri Vieira, CEO Year established: 1963 Maine employees: 363 Website: www.sebasticookvalleyhealth.org Human resources contact: Tammy Hatch 207-487-4083 thatch@emhs.org Sebasticook Valley Health # 7 Sebasticook Valley Health Highly engaged employees serve patients

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