Wabash General Hospital was recently named as one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Illinois. The awards program began in 2006 and is promoted by The Daily Herald Business Ledger in partnership with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, MRA-The Management Association, the Small Business Advocacy Council and Best Companies Group. 

“It is an honor to be selected as one of the top 100 Best Places to Work in Illinois 2019.  I would like to thank the employees of Wabash General Hospital for taking the time to complete the survey.  This award is a testament to our staff’s hard work, dedication, and teamwork,” stated Bridget Shepard, Executive Vice President of Human Resources.

“I have enjoyed working for Wabash General Hospital for the past 5 years. I have always felt encouraged to succeed. Wabash General Hospital has created a family environment where everybody is there for each other. Wabash General Hospital has made being seen by Family Practice, Internal Medicine, General Surgery and Orthopadeics so convenient for our patients by adding multiple satellite clinics to the surrounding areas,” stated Brittany Longbons, Team Leader at Wabash General Hospital Albion Medical Clinic.

Sherry Parrott, Respiratory Therapist, said, “I think Wabash General Hospital has the best staff, best physicians, and provides the best quality of care!  I know that’s my opinion, but I am sticking to it!”

This statewide survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Illinois, benefiting the state's economy, workforce and businesses. The 2019 Best Places to Work in Illinois list is made up of 30 companies in the small employer category (15-99 U.S. employees), 21 companies in the medium employer category (100-499 U.S. employees), and 18 companies in the large employer category (500 or more U.S. employees). Wabash General Hospital has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Illinois in the medium category.

“I have been with WGH for a year and half now after working at my previous job for 17+ years. I was very nervous to change my career path but decided to take a leap of faith. I have not regretted my decision for a second! WGH has made we feel very welcome from day one and has continued to do so. I am very fortunate to work with the people I do and to be a part of such a great team!” stated Melanie Cropper, Registered Nurse at Wabash General Hospital Primary Care – Chestnut Street.

To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

- Have at least 15 employees working in Illinois;

- Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business or government entity;

- Be a publicly or privately held business;

- Have a facility in the state of Illinois; and

- Be in business a minimum of one year.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part process to determine the Best Places to Work in Illinois. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in Illinois and also analyzed the data and used their expertise to determine the final rankings.

Wabash General Hospital will be recognized and honored at the Best Places to Work in Illinois awards ceremony coordinated by The Daily Herald Business Ledger on Thursday, May 9. The final rankings will be announced at the event, posted on the Business Ledger website (www.dhbusinessledger.com), and published in a special commemorative section on June 24.

“I love working at WGH because there is a mutual desire of everyone to always be improving!  Some places are content doing things the way they have always been done but at WGH there is an attitude of always trying to find ways to do things better,” said Dr. Justin Miller, Orthopaedic Surgeon.  

Denise Henne, Cook at WGH, said, “Working in the WGH Dietary Department is the best!  I am so thankful for the opportunity to work here.  Our department runs on friendship, teamwork, and fun.   WGH has embraced my love to cook with encouragement, training and the support of new ideas.  I am blessed to be a part of this hospital.  It has become a part of my heart and truly is a dream job!”

Carol Kitchene said, “WGH is a great place to work because I am able to work with top notch doctors, and we are able to give great quality care close to home.  Most of all, for the 18 years that I have been here at WGH, we are like family.  We all genuinely care about each other like family does.  I think it shows in taking care of patients.  Everyone works as team players and helps each other out between departments to make sure the patient gets the best care.”

President & CEO Karissa Turner stated, “We are very honored to receive this special designation.  WGH values our employees and our culture reflects that.  We believe that treating employees right and cultivating a positive experience and working environment leads to a better patient care experience and quality outcomes.  I am proud of the WGH leadership, staff, and medical staff for their commitment to work as a team striving to deliver exceptional care to our service area.  We are very blessed to have such a great group of individuals working for WGH.  We could not expect anything better!”

For more information on the Best Places to Work in Illinois program, visit www.BestPlacestoWorkinIL.com.