Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) was ranked first in the nation on the Fair360 2024 Top Hospitals and Healthcare Systems list, an honor recognizing efforts towards the creation of a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce.
Fair360 also recognized the health network for being among the top 18 companies across industries in the nation for executive fairness councils.
“Hackensack Meridian Health is committed to honoring diversity in our workplace and fostering an environment of inclusivity,” said HMH CEO Robert C. Garrett, FACHE. “We are proud of the work we’ve done to achieve this honor from Fair360, but we recognize that there is always more we can do to champion diversity within our network.”
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Fair and Inclusive Workplaces
Fair360, formerly DiversityInc, provides companies with data-driven insights to help develop fair and inclusive workplaces. Its annual evaluation recognizes U.S. employers for their excellence in promoting workplace fairness through talent strategy, supplier diversity practices and philanthropic engagement.
The survey comprises employers with at least 750 employees in the U.S., all evaluated within the context of their industries on verified policies, practices and procedures. Fair360’s specialty lists evaluate companies on group performance, and the list cutoff takes place where there is a significant difference between the top companies and the next runner-up. The list is industry specific and compiled using the same criteria to evaluate organizations as the Top 50 competition.
“The Fair360 Top 50 survey is a trusted tool for large U.S. employers to demonstrate their commitment to fostering workplace fairness and data transparency,” said Luke Visconti, Founder and Chairman of Fair360.
“The data shows that over the long-term, companies that consistently put their employees first and have strong track records of respecting and embracing diversity, equity and inclusion, are stronger performers and better equipped to adapt to market conditions,” Visconti added.
HMH Expands DEI Efforts
Hackensack Meridian Health works to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the organization. The network-wide efforts include:
Enhanced Leadership Accountability. HMH strengthened its DEI governance structure to further drive leadership accountability and increase diverse representation in its DEI Executive & Advisory Council.
Leveraged local site equity councils to drive leadership & accountability throughout the network to the local levels further driving the health system’s DEI and health equity strategy
Increased our diverse leadership development programs; increased leadership pipeline reflective of the diverse communities we serve
Expanded Team Member Resource Groups. The network offers voluntary groups that are organized around shared interests or dimensions of diversity. This past year, the organization increased overall membership and added a new group.
Advanced Equity Across the Network. Four Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals achieved The Joint Commission’s Health Care Equity Certification, including Hackensack University Medical Center, which was the first in the nation to earn this recognition.
Strengthened Environmental, Social and Governance Commitment (ESG). The network strengthened its ESG commitment, which it views as a natural extension of its work as a not-for-profit. ESG reflects its mission to build healthier communities, whether through good governance, addressing the impacts on climate and health or supporting the community members’ social needs.
Supplier Diversity. The network is engaging and supporting local and diverse businesses with a focus on historically underrepresented business owners.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for serving our communities with a diverse and talented team whose unique perspectives lead our progressive, forward-thinking care,” said Avonia Richardson-Miller, E.d.D, MA, CDE, senior vice president, chief diversity officer, Hackensack Meridian Health.
“At Hackensack Meridian Health, we are committed to embedding DEI throughout our organization, not only as a goal, but as a fundamental aspect of how we operate and who we are. Through our efforts, we are cultivating a workplace where every individual feels valued and respected, and where our community members can count on equitable access to care,” Richardson-Mille added.
Fair360 Six Key Areas
The Fair360 survey is based on an assessment of data across six key areas: Leadership Accountability, Human Capital Diversity Metrics, Talent Programs, Workplace Practices, Supplier Diversity and Philanthropy.
“This past year, we’ve continued to make remarkable progress on all six key areas. Our executive equity councils and development programs better reflect the diversity of our communities and team member population. This is also true for the diversity of our supply chain,” Garrett said in a letter to Board members.
“Our Team Member Resource Groups have grown to 11 groups and membership has increased. These groups provide networking opportunities and play a vital role in creating safe spaces for open dialogue and understanding,” he noted.
Other Recent DEI Nods for HMH
Fair360 is not the first national organization to recognize HMH’s DEI efforts. Earlier this year, four HMH hospitals were among the first to receive Health Care Equity Certification designation from the the Joint Commission.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) awarded all HMH hospitals its “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation.