To achieve its mission to improve the health of the multiple communities that it serves, New Jersey-based RWJBarnabas Health created a three-pronged strategy that aligns organizational needs with employee goals and community gains. This strategy is anchored in an ‘outside in/inside up’ framework focused on hiring local and providing comprehensive career ladder opportunities, training, and advancement for its workers.
One of the keys to RWJBarnabas ‘outside in’ approach has been a partnership with Newark’s 2020 Initiative to hire un- and underemployed local residents and provide communication, conflict resolution, and interview skills. RWJBarnabas has already achieved 98% of its hiring target, with natural offshoots to establish job training, in-demand certifications for patient access associates, and other credentialing programs. Once hired, frontline workers are exposed to ‘inside up’ career ladders advancement opportunities, financial and educational support, and further training. Program achievements include 100% retention and 98% placement rates. RWJBarnabas’ cultural commitment to recognized best practices around promotion, equity, diversity, and opportunity also ensures continuing and new opportunities for frontline workers throughout the region.
