New Orleans CityBusiness Recognizes North Oaks Health System as a Top Employer

New Orleans CityBusiness has selected North Oaks Health System as a “Best Place to Work” for 2017.

This marks the eighth time that North Oaks has received this recognition from the business publication. North Oaks is the only health system headquartered on the Northshore to be honored this year.

CityBusiness recognizes 50 top employers annually, including 35 large companies, and 15 small businesses. The health system, which is the second largest employer in Tangipahoa parish, was selected as one of 35 honorees in the large company category.

North Oaks was chosen as a finalist based on workforce data, such as average salaries, benefits, retention levels and opportunities available for employee advancement. An online survey completed by North Oaks employees provided insights into the workplace culture.

“Employee engagement is at the heart of our culture because we believe that positive patient experiences begin and end with an empowered team,” affirms Michele Sutton, president and chief executive officer of North Oaks Health System. “We work very hard to establish personal connections and teamwork amongst our staff members so that everyone has a voice.”

Employee engagement councils are one tool among many that the health system uses to give employees a voice. Implemented this year, the councils, comprised of 15 employees each, focus on: recruitment, retention and benefits; quality and safety; efficiency, finances and hospital processes; and patient experiences and employee satisfaction.

“Through compassion, courtesy, commitment and communication, we foster a culture of excellence where health care professionals can do what they love, love what they do, realize their full potential and feel valued for their contributions to the health and wellness of our region,” continues Jeff Jarreau, North Oaks’ chief human resources officer. “We are so proud of our incredible team’s work to improve lives every time and with every touch. They make this recognition possible.”

To browse available jobs with North Oaks and apply online, click here. To view North Oaks Health System’s “Best Places to Work” profile, read the Dec. 8 issue of CityBusiness.

North Oaks Health System was among 50 companies in the Greater New Orleans Area honored by New Orleans CityBusiness as “Best Places to Work” for 2017 during an awards luncheon on Dec. 1. Representing North Oaks, from left, are: Chief Operating Officer Michael Watkins, Public Relations Coordinator Melanie Lanaux Zaffuto, Diagnostics Assistant Joseph Landrews, Employee Services Director Tracy Pettigrew, Diagnostics Director Casey Alford, Pharmacy Director Honey Pearson, Clinical Nurse Manager Suzanne Mesa, Market Strategist/Business Development Representative Ashley Miller and Vice President of Strategy and Outreach Tracy Randazzo. The event was hosted at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans.​