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Partners in Delivery
Our values serve as the guide for how we treat our associates. We’re responsible for providing a thriving work environment where our associates receive the care and support they require. 

We encourage an open work environment in which ideas and contributions can be shared and valued honestly. A team approach to providing our programs and services is required for excellence. Ultimately, it is understood that only with the commitment of one another in delivery of services can we achieve success. As such, we are partners in the delivery of our services. 

We openly communicate with our staff through staff, departmental and personalized approaches. Our weekly Stitches of News ensures information is received timely.

Benefits
We are committed to giving back to our associates for the work they do every day. Our comprehensive benefit plan includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as optional dependent life insurance and short-term disability. We also make an effort to accommodate a balance between work and home life by offering flexible schedules, shift differentials, paid time off during first year of employment and child care referral and discount services. To ensure access for our associates, we cover nearly 100 percent of the cost of their medical insurance.

We know how important it can be to prepare for the future. We help our associates in that regard with a retirement savings plan with company matching contributions. We also have a tax-advantaged savings plan that encourages associates to begin saving for the college education of their children. Associates can also benefit from our savings bond program and credit union.

Our organization values wellness and it extends to the well-being of our associates who are rewarded with free annual influenza shots, health club discounts and a comprehensive wellness program. Our employee assistance program (EAP)  helps identify and resolve personal concerns such as health, family, financial, substance abuse, legal, stress and others that may be affecting job performance and personal well-being. The program is provided free to our associates and their family members.

Lastly, we offer our associates a unique program where they also learn to help their fellow associates when they are in need. Our Charity Care program was started in 2004. Associates are able to donate in a variety of ways to this program that helps other associates during times of financial need, crisis and other catastrophic events. In four short years, 130 Charity Care awards have been given to associates in need and more than $100,000 has been raised.

Associate Satisfaction Surveys
Every year, goals are set from the prior year’s satisfaction survey to gauge associate expectations for creating an engaging work environment that meets their needs for benefits, education and growth. Associates are then asked to participate in a new survey to see where progress has been made, as well as areas still in need of improvement.

Evaluating the results of the surveys and making adjustments is one of the primary reasons why we've been able to retain our employees, embrace new ideas and make our communities better and healthier places for seniors to enjoy their retirement years.

Key areas which the surveys address each year include supervision, work environment, advancement and development, teamwork, work climate/culture, safety/security, communication, pay and benefits. We understand that to maintain talented and motivated associates we must continually make sure they are pleased in the aforementioned areas.

In our latest survey from 2007, we experienced an increase in scores in every measure on the survey.  

Career Development
We offer associates a wealth of programs to ensure they can continue to fuel their passion and develop their talent through an assortment of educational opportunities.

Associates are able to continue their education externally with scholarships and tuition reimbursement. Internally, the Franciscan organization continues to find new and sophisticated ways of providing diverse educational programming. The Building Block educational conferences are not only provided onsite at the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago corporate office but are offered through personalized education programs for those who do not have Internet access, as well as online.

Associates are recognized in a variety of ways for their contributions. They can be recognized in the You Make The Difference program for actions and behaviors that demonstrate and embrace Franciscan behaviors. An annual service award luncheon is hosted to honor associates for years of service to the organization.

Personal development and acclimation within the organization are fostered through a number of different retreats and orientations.  During orientations, associates are effectively integrated into the community and our ministry, which ultimately helps in retaining, motivating and partnering with them on advancing our ministry. 

Peer Mentoring
Many associates are enjoying the opportunity to support their colleagues in their professional growth and development through peer mentoring. Associates work with one another and the benefits generally assist both the mentor and the new associate. The mentor improves his or her on-the-job training and allows the transfer of knowledge and duties to occur smoothly and efficiently. The associate being taught has a teacher on the side to seek for advice and guidance while growing into a new career opportunity and a fellow peer vested to their success.

Peer Interviewing
It’s important to build strong, cohesive teams that continue the mission of Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik. Some associates are now assisting in the hiring process by peer interviewing.

Peer interviewing allows some members of departments to help evaluate job candidates. Often a new candidate is given an opportunity to ask a current associate about the organization and the position he or she is interested in. At the same time, the associate can get a good idea of whether or not the candidate would fit in with the department.