People first: Baptist Health honored for innovation in developing a strong, resilient workforce in Northeast Florida and beyond

Baptist Health is proud to be the recipient of the prestigious JAXUSA Partnership Talent Champion Award for 2024. The honor recognizes Jacksonville-based companies that contribute to the economic and social development of Northeast Florida and the overall vitality of the region’s workforce by recruiting, developing, and retaining skilled employees.

As one of the area’s largest private employers and the largest health system in the region, Baptist Health has continually increased its investment in programs to help employees maintain work-life balance and improve their mental and physical health. Among the most impactful strategies has been its comprehensive flexible work program and implementation of innovative approaches to upskilling and career development, which helps retain talent and fill in-demand positions as well as improve engagement and job satisfaction. For example, an entry-level radiology technologist can upskill to become an MRI or CT technologist.

The local economic development organization commended Baptist Health for its integrated approach to career growth. The health system uses strategic partnerships and formal processes to cultivate and retain a versatile workforce that fulfills today’s demands while also anticipating future regional needs.

“People want meaningful work that makes a difference – and at the same time, they want to live better lives themselves,” said Kate McCann, MHRD, senior vice president and chief human resources officer of Baptist Health. “We said, why can’t we apply the lessons of great places to work from all different types of industries to create a welcoming environment where everyone can feel truly valued, have lots of opportunities to grow and learn, and do excellent work that truly matters?”

To create a stronger, more resilient workforce to care for Jacksonville’s nearly one million residents, Baptist Health has invested in a talent pipeline for health care. Building this network begins as early as middle and high school with programs that expose students to health care careers and provide job readiness training and paid internships at Baptist Health.

At the post-secondary level, the health system sponsors fellowship and residency programs to attract a steady influx of skilled professionals to Northeast Florida. Each year, Baptist Health hosts approximately 4,000 college and university students to complete their clinical requirements in a variety of medical specialties and healthcare professions.

In 2021, Baptist Health collaborated with Jacksonville University to launch an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that combines high-level instruction with practical experience. To further support the need to grow the nursing workforce, Baptist Health started its own Certified Nursing Assistant School, which provides members of the community and non-clinical employees with opportunities to embark on clinical career paths.

“By supporting the professional and personal advancement of our more than 15,000 team members, we’ve created a stable and skilled workforce that propels growth and prosperity in Northeast Florida,” said Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “We’re proud to be building a healthier, more vibrant future for our region.”