Working Mother magazine has recognized Scripps Health as one of the 2016 Working Mother 100 Best Companies for outstanding leadership in establishing policies and creating programs that support working moms. Scripps is the only San Diego-based organization on the list.

“We’re honored to be named to this prestigious list for the 12th consecutive year and to be recognized by Working Mother as one of the best employers in the nation,” said Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of Scripps Health. “We believe in providing our employees with every opportunity available to help them succeed. We know this type of support helps bring out the best in them and that it translates into exceptional care to our patients.”

Working Mother praised Scripps for its commitment to family-friendly programs, including child care, flexible work arrangements, paid parental leave and advancement opportunities for women. Scripps allows its female workforce — 76 percent of its employee population — to adjust job responsibilities as family needs change.

The complete list of the 2016 Working Mother 100 Best Companies is featured in the October/November edition of Working Mother and on workingmother.com/best-companies.

Scripps Working Mother to be honored

For the seventh year, Working Mother is recognizing one special Working Mother of the Year from each company named to the 100 Best Companies. Wendy Sweet is the 2016 Working Mother of the Year at Scripps. She is a risk management and patient relations manager at Scripps and will be honored along with the other recipients on Oct. 18 at Working Mother’s awards banquet in New York.

At 60, Sweet has taken on the responsibility of raising a child again, this time her 7-year-old granddaughter, Alexis. Sweet became Alexis’ foster parent last year after the girl’s home life became unstable. She is seeking to adopt her and become her legal guardian and is thankful for the support she is receiving from Scripps Health.

A Satisfied Workforce

In honor of the 100 Best Companies, Working Mother has declared Tuesday, Oct. 18, as National Flex Day to increase awareness of the importance of workplace flexibility. All companies are invited to participate by encouraging all employees to use flex policies on this day.

At Scripps, more than 70 percent of employees have chosen to work some type of alternative schedule, including flexible scheduling, part-time or reduced hours per day or week, or alternative schedules such as four 10-hour days or three 12-hour days per week.

“In order to recruit and retain top talent in today’s work environment, we offer flexible schedules, career development programs and benefits to support the lifestyles of our diverse workforce,” said Cara Williams, executive director of patient and employee experience at Scripps.