White County Medical Center recently received a Mature Worker Friendly Award at the Governor’s Work-Life Balance Award luncheon. Artee Williams, Director of the Department of Workforce Services, presented WCMC Director of Human Resources Pam Williams with the award, which recognizes businesses for taking the initiative to hire and train mature associates. WCMC was one of only two organizations to receive the award at the luncheon, which was held in Little Rock.

“When this program began a decade ago, the goal was to encourage employers around the state to look for innovative ways to offer benefits that made workers happy and increase productivity,” said Governor Mike Beebe.  “The organizations honored here today are proof that companies can achieve balance in all aspects of their lives and retain skilled employees.”

“We are honored to receive this distinguished award and are proud of our White County Medical Center family,” Williams said. “White County Medical Center believes every associate is important and equally needed to make the hospital a success. From housekeepers to registered nurses and associates in accounting, it takes a team for our hospital to operate smoothly and efficiently, and we are thankful for each one.”

More than one-third of WCMC’s workforce is age 50 and older, and the hospital makes arrangements for workers who may require mobility assistance, such as the use of a cane or wheelchair.

In January 2011, WCMC was named the 2010 Experience Works Host Agency Champion for the state of Arkansas. Experience Works is the largest training and employment organizations for mature workers, defined as individuals 55 and older.

The Host Award was given to WCMC in appreciation of its efforts to hire and train mature workers. Age is often a barrier for older workers finding employment; however, WCMC values the contributions older associates make that impact the organization and help move it forward.

Experience Works Arkansas State Director Christy Manning-Owen, SPHR, said, “Working with White County Medical Center has been a great partnership, because the skills learned at White County Medical Center help mature workers to find employment. The hospital has been instrumental in helping people age 55 and older.”

WCMC has served as a Host Agency through the Senior Community Service Employment Program for six years. The combined staffs from Experience Works and WCMC Human Resources develop job descriptions for each participant hired.

In addition to the Mature Worker Friendly Award, WCMC was also named as a finalist in the Governor’s Work-Life Balance Award for a large, non-profit company. This is the second year in a row WCMC has received the Mature Worker Friendly Award.

ABOUT WHITE COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
As the leading healthcare provider in a six-county area, White County Medical Center associates strive to create a healthy community by providing quality patient care and participating in community health events. White County Medical Center is the largest employer in Searcy with more than 1500 associates. The facility has a combined total of 438 licensed beds and a medical staff of 150 physicians that specialize in various areas of healthcare.