Top workplaces, midsize: 4. Nathan Adelson Hospice

It’s a career that can be difficult and emotionally draining, but working in the end-of-life care industry is rewarding to employees of Nathan Adelson Hospice.

It ranked No. 4 among top places to work in the midsize company category and has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare by “Modern Healthcare.”

“We’re so excited and surprised we were recognized last year and to receive it again is such an honor for our organization,” says Carole Fisher, CEO and president. “There’s tough competition out there, and it’s wonderful to know employees feel and express we’re taking care of them well. It aligns with our mission of work we do.”

Nathan Adelson Hospice covers 100 percent of the medical, pharmacy and dental premiums for employee coverage only. Dependent coverage, including domestic partner, is subsidized at 25 percent. A life insurance policy and long-term disability benefits are provided to employees without charge. Full-time employees accrue 18.6 days of paid time off per year in addition to 72 hours of illness benefits.

“It’s hard work, and we pride ourselves on taking care of employees and that they have what they need to care for patients no matter what their role is. We make sure our employees feel valued and respected and that has come through two years in a row,” Fisher says.

The company has some unusual benefits. A Weight Watchers program is offered at work and the company reimburses 100 percent of the cost of the program for employees who lose 5 percent of their body weight or maintain their weight loss from one session to another. There are exercise classes for pilates, yoga and Zumba, and even on-site car washes.

Fisher says it’s important to let employees know how much their contributions matter, no matter their role and how they align with the overall purpose. They must feel fulfilled and get the whole picture, and that’s why it’s important to communicate goals and objectives, she says.

“We’re dealing with issues that we don’t like to talk about as a society,” Fisher says. “We have a great staff perspective. People only die once, and it has to be right, and we have to support families.”

More than 1,000 thank-you notes are sent out to employees every year to recognize them for their good work, Fisher says.

“If they go above and beyond doing something for a patient or a family, they get a note,” Fisher says. “I got one recently. I was tired and had a tough week and received a gracious thank-you note. It helps people feel appreciated and engaged. That’s so important.”

That appreciation has included gift certificates to Dunkin’ Donuts.

Employees even have drives to support employees who earn wages at the lower end of the scale and need help during the holidays with food, clothing and other gifts, she says.

Employees appreciate the company’s culture.

“Everyone is very loving, caring and helpful,” one employee says. “I love coming to work every day because my co-workers make me feel at home.”

Another says the work is satisfying on so many different levels.

“We have such an admirable mission and our senior management really believes in the mission and allows us to do what’s right for patients,” another says. “Others are willing to work hard and this makes us feel like a real team.”

Companies tend to focus so much on clients, patients or consumers to make sure their needs are met, but they need to make sure they don’t forget about their employees, Fisher says.

“Without them, they would be lost,” she says. “They need to recognize them and give them the tools and equipment they need to take care of themselves and their families.”