Providence invests $220 million in workforce, including $1,000 bonuses for all caregivers

To the caregivers of Providence, thank you for everything you're doing in response to the latest surge of COVID-19 cases. I know how hard everyone is working and how difficult the past 21 months have been.

Our caregivers are the core of our Mission, values and promise. That’s why across the Providence family of organizations, we aspire to be the best place to work and practice clinical care. It's also why “strengthening our core” by investing in our people is the first pillar of our strategic plan.

In this spirit, I’m excited to announce that the Providence family of organizations is investing more than $220 million in our workforce through new programs designed to reward, retain and recruit the biggest hearts and the brightest minds. These programs include:

• A $1,000 recognition bonus for all caregivers* – In gratitude for everyone’s service and dedication, every caregiver up to and including the director level who has been with a Providence ministry or affiliate at least 90 days will receive the bonus. This includes employed providers and physicians. It will be paid in two installments, the first in September and the second in December. Part-time caregivers will receive a corresponding percentage, as will per diem caregivers who work an average of 20 hours or more per week.
• Accelerated recruitment to rapidly fill 17,000 job openings – We are offering highly competitive sign-on bonuses to job candidates to help reinforce our frontlines as quickly as possible, so that we can help alleviate the stress and burnout so many of our caregivers are experiencing. It will also help ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our communities.
• Caregiver referral bonuses between $1,000 and $7,500?– Caregivers are our best source of new talent. To engage our people in the recruitment process, nearly every open role is now eligible for a minimum $1,000 bonus, and many roles are eligible for more – up to $7,500.

Leaders from across our family of organizations are also making market-based pay adjustments where needed, focusing on lower paid positions, and investing in talent through development, education and career path planning. In addition, we’ll continue our tradition of offering strong benefits packages, including free or discounted health care premiums for caregivers with household incomes up to four times the federal poverty level, which is $105,000 for a family of four.

?We’ve been investing in our caregivers throughout the pandemic. In 2020, Providence ministries and affiliates offered childcare subsidies, guaranteed pay even when elective surgeries were cancelled, emergency PTO when caregivers ran out, and an array of free mental health and well-being services. Through the new programs we’re announcing today, we are continuing to invest in and support our people.

The pandemic, combined with the national workforce shortage, has put us to the ultimate test. I am deeply grateful to all our caregivers for continuing to step up and serve our communities. Our Mission endures thanks to all you do each day.

*Recognition bonuses have already been announced across some ministries and affiliates, including Oregon and Kadlec.