Kootenai Health Recognized as U.S. Best-in-Class Employer

Gallagher’s Best-in-Class Benchmarking Analysis Identifies U.S. Organizations That Excel in Optimizing Employee and Organizational Wellbeing

Kootenai Health participated in Gallagher’s 2023 U.S. Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey and was identified as an organization that excelled in implementing successful strategies for supporting team members  and managing programs. Kootenai Health was recognized for its comprehensive framework for strategically investing in benefits, compensation and employee communication to support the health, financial security and career growth of its team members at a sustainable cost structure.

Designations like Gallagher’s Best-in-Class Employer help current and potential team members understand and appreciate an organization’s workplace culture and people strategy; important differentiators as employers compete for talent in today’s labor market.

“We’re proud that Kootenai Health stands out as an organization committed to our people and strategic approach to benefits, HR, and compensation,” said Executive Vice President of People & Culture, Cyndy Donato. “Our Total Rewards supports our people to help build upon our overall organizational strength and resilience.”

A U.S. Best-in-Class Employer, Kootenai Health was assigned points based on its relative performance in:

• Plan horizons for benefits and compensation strategies
• Extent of the wellbeing strategy
• Turnover rate for full-time equivalents (FTEs)
• Completion of a workforce engagement survey
• Use of an HR technology strategy and its level of sophistication
• Difference in healthcare costs over the prior year
• Use of a communication strategy

“Kootenai Health understands that high employee expectations haven’t budged in the changing labor market and have regularly examined their formula to attract and retain talent,” said William F. Ziebell, CEO of Gallagher’s Benefits & HR Consulting Division. “In doing so, Kootenai Health utilizes data, workforce feedback tools and clearly defined policies to provide competitive benefits and experiences that their people value.”

About the Best-in-Class Benchmarking Analysis
Gallagher’s U.S. Best-in-Class Benchmarking Analysis profiles statistically significant attributes of top-performing midsize (100-999 FTEs) and large employers (1,000 or more FTEs). Data from Gallagher’s 2023 U.S. Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey was interpreted to identify participants that excel in optimizing employee and organizational wellbeing.

About Gallagher
Gallagher (NYSE:AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

About Kootenai Health
provides comprehensive medical services to patients in northern Idaho and the Inland Northwest. Its main campus is located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and includes a 331-bed, community-owned hospital. Saint Mary’s Health in Cottonwood, Idaho, and Clearwater Valley Health in Orofino, Idaho are also part of Kootenai Health. Kootenai Health is accredited by DNV. It also holds Magnet designation for nursing excellence, Level II Trauma Center designation, Level III NICU designation, and accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

Kootenai is regionally known for its programs in cardiac care, orthopedics, neurosciences, oncology, women’s and children’s services and behavioral health. Kootenai Clinic is comprised of more than 200 physicians and advanced practitioners providing primary and specialty care in practice locations across the region.