Apr 3, 2016
HHS Response
10yHHS appreciates the reviewer’s time, and the “pros” expressed. We agree that when an individual gets to know their coworkers it is more fun--we strive to hire people who are positive and energetic, and we are known for providing excellent management benefits. Regarding the “cons” expressed, and the alleged “good ‘ol boy system,” HHS has heard this concern in the past. HHS has many tenured employees that have been promoted from within and those decisions are made based on ability. We have also unfortunately had to remove some people from positions following investigations into concerns raised by team members using out Open Door Policy. In these cases, people have been removed or demoted despite who they know or who they may have a relationship with. Either way, we look at circumstances objectively. Sometimes, when these circumstances happen, individuals blame the company and refer to a “good ‘ol boy” process rather than looking at their own behaviors which caused the action. We continue to believe that hiring friends and family of all employees for all position -- so long as they are qualified and show the ability to perform well -- outweighs the sometimes negative perception that is unfortunately a result. We disagree that we foster rumors; in fact, we quickly address and will implement disciplinary action for any employee who participates in spreading untruths and acts in a defamatory manner. HHS goes to great lengths to substantiate and confirm legitimate complaints and we take our obligations to our employees and customers very seriously. All employees are held to the same standard and policies. The notion that HHS is generally racist and gender biased is frankly ridiculous. HHS has a very diverse workforce at all levels, employing more than 12,000 people in more than 20 states. HHS substantiates and confirms all matters prior to making decisions, and strives to treat everyone fairly, holding everyone to the same policies, standards, and values. One of our core values is to treat all people with respect. The statements made by the person submitting this review that “unless you are a close friend or family, you aren't going anywhere. Don't trust your manager to help you or look out for you. They are only covering their own backs and will turn on you in a dime to save themselves” are false. It is again true that HHS has a long history of hiring family and friends and values those loyal relationships, however, it is equally true that family and friends are held to the same standards and are held accountable for their performance and behavior. Moreover, many individuals who are not family members or friends of family have been hired, promoted and rewarded for excellent performance. Their is no doubt that non family members have been very successful and have excellent careers within this organization. Managers covering their backs and turning on a dime to save themselves is a statement that is hard to address, since the particulars are not known. That said, HHS has many built-in safeguards that protect any employees who feel they are being treated unfairly. One safeguard is the Open Door Policy, which all managers have been trained to implement, and are expected to respond to each concern, suggestion, and complaint. If the employee is not satisfied with that response, the complaint moves up to several next levels, ultimately reaching the Chief Executive Officer for review. Unfortunately, this employee did not voice his/her concerns or provide an opportunity for us to find a resolution. We have had significant success understanding and resolving employee concerns and implementing suggestions using our Open Door Policy and encourage everyone to utilize this confidential process. “Management at the hospital level leaves a lot to be desired as it is not functioning as a unit” is a very generalized statement. HHS has more than 360 accounts spread across the country, and the vast majority of those teams are strong, as evidenced by our continued growth and strong customer retention. The Austin Office supports those teams in every way. Unfortunately, as in all businesses, occasionally a difficult decision to transfer or remove someone is necessary as a result of poor performance or a specific customer request. The individual submitting this review clearly had a bad experience, given the opportunity, I would have recommended that this employee utilize the Open Door Policy and communicate any circumstances they were concerned about. I am certain a better understanding would have occurred. HHS does not view the world through rose colored glasses or protect anyone who does not perform. HHS is very loyal to their workforce and encourages anyone looking for employment within this industry to apply.