BY: SCOTT McCONNAHA, M.A.
There are few honors more important for an employer than to be ranked as a "best place to work." And there is little else as disruptive to an organization as an employee pool plagued by low-satisfaction ratings and continual turnover. Simply put, an organization that strives to cultivate a preferred workplace will have happy employees, and happy employees will help the organization thrive. As the cliché goes, it's a win-win situation.
Articles in the special section of this issue of Health Progress are concerned with one thing: creating and maintaining a satisfied, productive, and committed workforce for the health ministry. Topics include establishing just wages and benefits packages, spirituality at work, diversity, creating a healthy workplace, and staff recruitment and retention.
In Catholic health care, we know that addressing these topics is more than a matter of improving efficiency and saving money. It's about continuing Jesus' mission of love and healing in the communities where we serve. We tend to the sick and care for the poor, but we also provide jobs and help give meaning to people's lives.
I'm a sucker for thoughtful, provocative quotes. I have a file folder full of brilliant lines that, at some moment in my life, touched me in a very real way. One now-famous quote by Frederick Buechner has consistently stayed pinned to the bulletin board above my desk. It serves as sort of a reminder for why I do what I do. "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." What better words are there for describing the importance of our work in Catholic health care? There's no question the world needs healers, and there is no reason those called to this sacred mission should find anything but happiness and fulfillment, and even healing for themselves, through their participation in this ministry.
On September 18, we at CHA will be saying goodbye to a dear colleague. After 13 years as managing editor of Health Progress, Gordon Burnside is retiring. His work with authors has been critical to the success of our journal. He will certainly be missed. Please join me in wishing Gordon continued success and happiness.
Scott McConnaha
Editor, Health Progress
Catholic Health Association
St. Louis
Copyright © 2007 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States
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