University of Michigan Health-West has been named the 2024 West Michigan Works! Employer of the Year, an honor recognizing the health care organization’s commitment to workforce development, community collaboration and employee support.
The annual award celebrates employers that excel in fostering workforce innovation and development. UM Health-West was nominated for its dedication to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture, as well as its impactful contributions in advancing career opportunities in the region.
“At UM Health-West, we are passionate about providing the best total health care experience for our patients, staff and communities,” said Ronald Grifka, M.D., president of UM Health-West. “This recognition as Employer of the Year reflects the collective efforts of our entire team and our ongoing mission to create a culture where employees and patients feel valued, respected and empowered to thrive.”
Amy Lebednick, business solutions director at West Michigan Works!, highlighted the health care organization’s contributions. “As a leader in patient care and community well-being, UM Health-West’s commitment to workforce development is evident through mentoring, education assistance and apprenticeship programs for medical assistants and surgical technologists. They are a key partner to the West Michigan Health Careers Council, while also championing equitable recruitment through programs like HireReach, and working to reduce staff burnout. For all these efforts and more, we are proud to honor them as the 2024 Employer of the Year.”
Steve Smith, regional manager of talent acquisition, shared his personal perspective on what makes UM Health-West’s commitment so meaningful. “Almost 17 years ago, UM Health-West took a chance on me. They invested in me, genuinely cared, and helped me find my calling, my purpose, and my why. Now, I want to give back by helping others find their path. This organization is all about investing in people and our community, and I’m proud to be a part of that legacy.”
At UM Health-West, the foundation of success lies in its guiding principles, known as “The UM Health-West Way.” This approach emphasizes going beyond the science of medicine to focus on personalized care and compassionate interactions. From small gestures like offering a smile or lending a helping hand to ensuring patients feel heard and supported, the UM Health-West Way defines what it means to provide the best health care experience.
Key highlights of UM Health-West’s commitment:
- Mission: Advancing health to serve Michigan and the world
- Vision: Discoveries that change care. Care that changes lives
- Values: Caring, innovation, inclusion, integrity, teamwork
- Health Equity and Inclusion: Fostering a culture where every individual has a sense of belonging and the opportunity to thrive
- Workforce and Community Impact: Programs like the Live Healthy initiative, local farm markets, and partnerships with area sports teams underscore the organization’s deep connection to its community
UM Health-West is recognized as one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” in the nation, offering comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities, including:
- Competitive pay and robust health benefits
- Flexible schedules and education assistance
- Employee assistance programs and continuous education resources
West Michigan Works! is a workforce development agency serving a seven-county region. It partners with employers, educators and community organizations to create a skilled and inclusive workforce system that supports regional economic growth.
