Copyright 2021 Crain's Cleveland Business
Human resource professionals have stepped up over the past 18 months to meet challenges unlike any they’ve seen before.
From the COVID-19 pandemic to diversity, equity and inclusion awareness, HR professionals have been on the front line establishing vital links of communication and understanding.
This year’s Excellence in HR Awards are designed to honor and highlight the full scope of work done by NEO’s HR professionals, from companies large and small, and from all sectors, including the nonprofit realm.
The Crain’s Excellence in HR program is designed to honor Northeast Ohio's outstanding human resources executives and teams.
Winners and finalists have been selected in five overall categories: Overall Excellence; HR Executive/Team of the Year; Rising Star; "Accidental" HR Leader; Employee Advocacy; and Diversity.
Honorees were selected by a panel of outside judges, all of whom have been honored by Crain’s for their HR accomplishments in past awards programs: Betsy McCafferty, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority; Elise Bastian, Earnest Machine; Evelyn Bruce, Bonnie Speed; Hailee Houston, MetroHealth; Monica Brown, the Cleveland Foundation; and Thomas Hopkins, retired, Sherwin-Williams.
In evaluating this year’s nominations, the judges noted the exceptional work being done by members of NEO’s HR community, who are not only leading in an environment dictated by COVID but in one where the death of George Floyd became a “crystallizing event.”
Honorees will be recognized, and winners announced in all categories, during a virtual event from 4 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 18.
In addition to the recognition portion of the program, executive editor Elizabeth McIntyre will lead a conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace with the co-founders of Enlightened Solutions, Bethany Studenic and Chinenye Nkemere.
Join us in celebrating our excellent HR Team. Pictured above, L to R: Pam Brown, Talent Placement Specialist; Heather L. Milicevic, Vice President and CHRO; Mathew Fury, HR Generalist; Jacob Anderson, Comp/HRMS & Benefits Program Manager; Lisa Keeley, Talent Placement Specialist; Christi Cole, Benefits & HRIS Administrator and Carolyn Mourton, Payroll Program Manager
FINALIST: OVERALL EXCELLENCE, LARGE, PRIVATE COMPANY
Western Reserve Hospital Human Resources Department
Copyright 2021 - Crain Communications, Inc.
Hospital systems are at the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic, often at great cost to their workers in terms of safety and mental stress. The human resources team at Western Reserve Hospital has served as a critical support mechanism for those at the vanguard of the virus crisis, according to the nomination.
Spearheaded by Heather Milicevic, the seven-member department enacted numerous initiatives to support staff at the epicenter of COVID-19. HR’s efforts led to virus-spurred pay differentials for front-line employees, as well as access to inexpensive hotel rooms to minimize staff transmission risk.
Additionally, the department initiated flex scheduling and paid parental leave, while communicating with front-liners on any health and welfare benefits available to them. Meanwhile, relaxing the staff dress code reflects the caring culture of the hospital, as do “thank you” lunches and dinners provided to workers via vendor partners and local businesses.
“The past year proved especially challenging to HR staff in health care, who found themselves meeting the needs of often anxious and fearful front-line and support staff,” said Western Reserve Hospital President and CEO Robert Kent in the nomination. “Heather and her team found positive, engaging projects to bring a much-needed sense of normalcy to our organization. From food trucks to personalized gifts and notes, to more adaptive dress and work policies, this comprehensive approach not only brought positive results to our workforce, but also benefited the patients for whom they care.”
— Douglas J. Guth