Breaking Down Burnout: How Confluent Health Became a Premier Employer

In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, burnout is a reality that many professionals face. For physical therapists and clinicians, the emotional and physical toll can be particularly high. Confluent Health has tackled this issue head-on, making its mark not just as a leader in musculoskeletal care but also as a premier employer, celebrated multiple times as a back-to-back Louisville Business First Best Places to Work award winner. But how has Confluent Health achieved this? The answer lies in its deeply embedded employee engagement strategies, robust professional development programs like the Academy of Clinical Excellence (ACE), and comprehensive wellness and financial support plans.?

A Culture of Continuous Support?

At Confluent Health, the ethos of “We make you stronger” applies to employees as much as to patients. This people-first culture is reflected in initiatives like the Confluent Health Employee Foundation (CHEF), which provides financial support to employees during crises such as illness, natural disasters, or personal hardships. Additionally, Awardco, the company’s recognition platform, celebrates exceptional work, ensuring that employees feel valued for their contributions.?

Open communication is key to the company’s success, with regular town halls, surveys, and feedback loops that keep leadership connected with the workforce. This fosters an environment of support, ensuring that employees feel heard and appreciated—critical factors in reducing burnout.?

A Commitment to Professional Growth?

At Confluent Health, professional development is not just a perk—it’s a core strategy for combatting burnout. Through partnerships with Evidence In Motion (EIM) and the Academy of Clinical Excellence (ACE), clinicians receive industry-leading continuing education, access to fully-funded residencies, board certifications, and specialized fellowship opportunities.?

Programs such as PTVille, a 10-week leadership development program, and the Emerging Leaders Program prepare employees for future leadership roles. With more board-certified therapists than any other PT company in the U.S., Confluent Health has created a culture of continuous learning that helps clinicians grow their expertise and stay at the cutting edge of the field.?

Supporting Work-Life Balance?

Employees benefit from a PTO system that scales with years of service, ensuring they have time to rest and recharge. New employees accrue 18 days of PTO per year, which increases to 24 days after 10 years of service. Additionally, Confluent Health has partnered with KinderCare to offer a 10% tuition discount for employees seeking childcare solutions, further supporting work-life balance.?

Recognition and Rewards?

Confluent Health’s Confluent Coin Recognition Program encourages peer-to-peer recognition for exemplifying company values such as “Learning Never Stops,” “Have Fun,” “SISU,” and “Do What’s Right.” Coins can be redeemed for rewards, reinforcing a positive and supportive culture.??

Confluent Health recognizes the financial burdens many clinicians face. The company offers an industry-leading Student Loan Reimbursement program, providing $1,300 per year for employees with less than two years of service, and $1,500 per year for those with more. Additionally, the 401(k) matching program offers a dollar-for-dollar match of up to 4% of an employee’s annual salary, helping employees save for the future.?

A Community-Driven Purpose?

Confluent Health’s mission extends beyond providing care—it’s about empowering employees to make a meaningful impact in their communities. The company’s workplace injury prevention programs, active at over 2,000 locations nationwide, help reduce musculoskeletal injuries and unnecessary surgeries, furthering Confluent Health’s commitment to proactive care. Additionally, employees are encouraged to participate in volunteer programs that align with the company’s commitment to well-being.?

A Diverse, Inclusive Workplace?

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Council ensures that Confluent Health remains a place where everyone feels welcome. The council works proactively to make the workplace more inclusive, focusing on initiatives that promote diversity in both the workforce and the communities served.?

Focus on Mental and Physical Wellness?

The company’s wellness programs focus on four pillars: financial health, behavioral and mental health, physical health, and work-life balance. Notably, Confluent Health offers the PT First MSK Pathway Benefit, which includes 60 free physical therapy visits under its PPO plans, underscoring the company’s commitment to keeping its employees healthy. Mental health support is equally emphasized through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides free, confidential counseling services.?

Career Advancement Opportunities?

Career progression is central to Confluent Health’s strategy for employee engagement. The Academy of Clinical Excellence (ACE) provides a structured pathway for clinicians to achieve board certification and sub-specializations in areas such as pelvic floor, hand therapy, concussion, and more. Through programs like PTVille, the Confluent Health Manager’s Course, and the Emerging Leaders Program, employees are equipped with the leadership and management skills needed to grow within the organization.?

Through a combination of professional development opportunities, flexible work arrangements, recognition programs, and comprehensive financial benefits, Confluent Health has created a workplace culture that not only prevents burnout but fosters long-term employee satisfaction and growth. As Confluent Health celebrates 10 years of success, the company remains committed to making people—both patients and employees—stronger.?