Kaiser Permanente recognized as Best Place to Work

Kaiser Permanente, one of the country's largest not-for-profit health plans, has been recognized as a "Best Place to Work" by three publications. In the first half of 2010, the organization was ranked No. 1 by Diversity MBA Magazine for diverse managers, and No. 2 in the San Francisco Business Times' list of "Best Places to Work." This week, the organization was ranked in the top third of Computerworld magazine's top 100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology.

"We are honored to be named a best place to work by these varied publications," said Paul Records, senior vice president and chief human resources officer, Kaiser Permanente. "We take great pride in having a company culture that supports innovation, teamwork and success, and in providing a workplace where employees feel valued and can excel. These awards recognize the committed employees that help make Kaiser Permanente one of the best health care organizations in the world."  

This is the first time Kaiser Permanente has participated in the Computerworld list of top 100 companies. Earlier this year Kaiser Permanente's IT employees completed the publication's survey, resulting in Kaiser Permanente being ranked No. 27 on the list. Computerworld's annual list of "Best Places to Work in Information Technology" ranks the top 100 work environments in the U.S. for technology professionals based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, diversity, career development, training and retention. In addition, Computerworld conducts extensive surveys of IT workers and their responses factor heavily in determining the rankings.  

"The recognition by Computerworld underscores Kaiser Permanente's ongoing efforts to define the standard for being the best place to work in health IT," said Philip Fasano, chief information officer, Kaiser Permanente. "This recognition is the direct result of our own employees acknowledging their pride in the Kaiser Permanente mission to deliver high-quality, affordable health care to all communities."  

Computerworld's recognition is the third for Kaiser Permanente in the last three months. In March, Diversity MBA Magazine named Kaiser Permanente No. 1 for the second consecutive year in the publication's "50 Out Front for Diversity Leadership: Best Places for Diverse Managers to Work." In selecting the 2010 "50 Out Front Companies," the publication's selection team evaluated organizations by looking at representation, retention, inclusion practices, recruitment strategies, succession strategies, and accountability. The magazine also looked at external diversity programs for women and people of color. Representation and board diversity also played a role in determining this year's top 50 companies.

In April, the San Francisco Business Times ranked Kaiser Permanente as one of the best places to work in the Bay Area. The San Francisco Business Times cited several positive attributes that contributed to Kaiser Permanente's high rating this year: "diversity; shared commitment and vision; a constructive and supportive work environment; and employees who have a voice, and an opportunity to have their voices heard and to make a difference."