AUGUST 2022
IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN…….
PTSMC has received the summary data from the Top Workplace Survey many of you participated in this May. We have participated in this survey, administered by Energage, every year since 2011 with the goal of learning from and responding to our employees. The feedback we’ve received over the past 12 years has been an important way for PTSMC leadership to recognize the things we are doing well, as well as the areas that need improvement. Please read all the way to the end to see some specific, actionable ways this year’s survey results are pushing us to improve.
This year, PTSMC scored 63% in overall employee engagement (survey participation rate and scores given by employees). The industry benchmark average, based on 7,000 aspiring top workplace surveyed in the last 12 months, was 55%, putting PTSMC and PT for Life above the national average. Out of the 391 employees surveyed at PTSMC, 250 responded. Of that 250, 63% gave responses indicating they are “engaged” or “enthusiastically engaged” in their work. PTSMC also had a record breaking 514 comments left by employees. When I review large sets of data, I seek trends or themes that help distill the information into smaller, more understandable subsets of information. At first glance, both the percentage of participating employees and the overall scores are lower than previous years. However, there is still much to be proud of. For starters, PTSMC remains above average compared to all kinds of companies nationwide, and also a top scorer when compared to similarly sized rehab companies. From the comments and the data, it is clear to me that there is a strong correlation of favorable opinion related to our commitment to those we serve, our teams, and our PT For Life culture. The dedication to a “patient-centric approach” to providing individualized care is supported throughout the feedback provided. Our people also expressed deep appreciation for “the team” and the “PTSMC family.” Several sections of the survey responses clustered around comments like, “we all work together to get the job done” and “we have a great office and enjoy spending time together.” In my review, I found myself repeatedly drawn back to our mission statement – Improving the quality of people’s lives by providing: Unmatched Experiences, Clinical Excellence, Lifelong Relationships. I believe as an organization and as individuals we are committed to this mission. As “feel good” and reaffirming as this information is, the reason we have elected to participate in this process to identify opportunities to improve the quality of our people’s lives as well. The pain points of work-life balance, documentation, benefits and pay stand out in the survey results.
COVID has altered the fundamental definition of “work-life balance.” As we navigate the pandemic’s path, it is becoming clearer that every individual may have different experiences and expectations. I don’t think there will be a “silver bullet” that works for everyone, and so our plan is to be open to conversations and be as supportive as possible to help as many people as possible find a way to grow and thrive. With respect to documentation, it is an ongoing and significant challenge, and the feedback is clear. Documentation is a burden. The increased documentation demands are not unique to PTSMC, it is part of our profession; increased authorizations for most insurances is the primary culprit. PTSMC is actively researching solutions. We have contacted peers in the industry to learn how they are creatively maintaining productivity standards and allowing time in the workday to document. At the most recent partner and director meeting, much time and dialogue was spent on this very topic. We have some clinics piloting some new options. More to come on this for sure. I expect benefits and pay will always be on the list of things our people would like more of. It should be. The fact of the matter is, what we do is more valuable than what the insurance companies are currently willing to pay us. As an organization and as profession, the fight needs to continue so that compensation more appropriately suits the investment and clinical expertise required in the field of physical therapy.
IN THIS ISSUE Clinician’s Corner by Tony Le, Westbrook PT Student
Return-to-Sport Protocols for Athletes with Shoulder Injuries
Clinical Excellence 411 A&A and Who to Contact
HR Buzz
November and December Holidays and Vacation Requests Who to Contact Reminders 401(k) Quarterly Timeline
Wellness Program Summer Sun and Skincare Tips Employee Spotlight Eric Horne, Simsbury Physical Therapist Money Beat - CT’s New Program for First-Time Homebuyers By Jim Hungerford, CPA
StriveHub Fab 5
On that front, I am pleased to report that we have made some modest gains recently with Aetna and some Worker’s Compensation plans, and we are “Sam (Ostrowsky) is friendly and welcoming actively in conversation with Cigna to increase our reimbursement.
each day. She asks about how my week was and how the injury is feeling. She pushes my physical Based on feedback related to benefits, PTSMC is initiating three capabilities, but within a controlled manner. significant changes. Everyone is accommodating, friendly and First, our 401(k) plan eligibility will be updated to enroll employees into this helpful.” - Guilford benefit sooner. We are adapting a quarterly enrollment process and reducing the eligibility period to six months.
Second, beginning March 1, all employees working thirty hours a week or more will be eligible for Dental, Short Term Disability, and Life Insurance. Lastly, we are altering the way we capture non-exempt part time vacation time to better reflect hours worked and vacation time gained.
“The problem with my shoulder was diagnosed quickly and appropriate exercises were recommended to stretch the joint initially. Each staff member has been friendly, attentive, and helpful. After a couple of weeks, we are moving to help strengthen the surrounding muscles, etc. In addition, as I observe the staff working with other "patients," I have been impressed.” - Groton
I, Partners & Directors, and Administrative Leadership thank you for taking the time to reflect on your experience as a PTSMC employee. While we of “The staff are very receptive and knowledgeable course hope to be named a Top Workplace once again, the feedback from you all is what matters most, because it leads us to being the best company about the work they do. I've been to other physical therapy facilities but this one has abled we can be, both for our patients and our people. Thanks,
Alan
me a better quality of life. They are able and receptive to modification of your treatment based off your symptoms. I highly recommend them.” - Wallingford
“Paul (Dinwoodie) is great! He listens to you and creates a plan that is exactly what you need to make your discomfort go away. He is friendly and makes you feel comfortable and treats you like a friend not just a patient.” - Danielson “The staff is very professional and courteous . The facility is clean and well equipped. I like the personal attention and knowledge of my condition and the therapy needed.” - Essex