In today’s workforce, job seekers are no longer prioritizing compensation and health benefits; they are looking for intangible benefits, such as companies that are willing to invest in the professional and personal development of their employees. As a company leader, prioritizing compassion and centering company culture around compassionate leadership creates long-term employment, rapid success, and peak performance. In fact, it has been proven that some of the most successful companies balance strengthening the business with promoting employee growth and development.
Why Compassionate is One of Our Core Values
When Rehab Medical was founded in 2005, the company leaders wanted to create core values that embodied the individuals who were working in the organization. They looked at those who exhibited certain values they felt would benefit the patients and partners they served. The compassionate core value was born after the leadership team saw that the employees they wanted to emulate had a high level of compassion for others.
However, the employees’ compassion wasn’t just geared towards patients, it was also geared towards showing compassion for their team members and everyone else within the company and their community.
“If we want to be a great business and we truly want to improve lives, it’s not just about delivering equipment, it’s about creating a great partnership with those we work with,” said Rehab Medical President Kevin Gearheart. “We want to create a great environment for our employees to come in and work. We want to improve their lives, we want them to be excited about working here and if we do that, we’re truly living our mission.”
Compassion soon became the key ingredient in recruiting employees who enjoyed helping others, whether it be patients, partners, or co-workers. Having team members with high character and a sincere caring for others is very important for us to build the kind of organization that we want with great culture and critical values.
What Creates Our Culture of Compassion
At Rehab Medical, we are driven by one unified mission, to improve and positively impact the lives of our patients, partners, and employees. This mission is carried out through various company initiatives and programs.
“At Rehab Medical, we invest a significant amount of time, attention, and resources in building healthy workplace culture across the organization," said Rehab Medical Employee Development and Engagement Manager Jessi Harris. "Through these various programs, initiatives, and offerings, we strive to improve the lives of our greatest assets - our employees. In doing so, we are hopeful that our customers, vendors, and partners will receive the positive impacts of that focus and, as a result, experience improvement in their own lives.”
Core Value Program
Rehab Medical’s core value program is designed to highlight and celebrate employees who not only carry out the improve lives mission but also exemplify any one of the company’s three key core values: energetic to achieve, hard work with balance, and compassionate. When an employee is seen demonstrating any one of these core values, they are nominated by their leaders and peers and receive a placard and pin to display, are formally recognized at the company’s annual conference, and have an opportunity to go on an all-expenses paid trip with a guest of their choosing.
Mentorship Program
When a new employee starts at Rehab Medical, it can be overwhelming as there is a lot to learn and grasp in the industry. However, Rehab Medical’s leaders acknowledge this and have created the mentor program to help new employees acclimate to their new job. For the first six weeks of employment, new employees are paired with a like-minded mentor. During these six weeks, mentors will share in-depth information about the company’s perks and benefits, will show them how to take advantage of these benefits, and help them align their career path with the company. This program has helped new and existing employees further their career aspirations, grow their network, and increase their knowledge.
"I have greatly benefited from becoming a mentor on my ongoing journey with Rehab Medical,” said Emily Garcia, office assistant for Rehab Medical of San Antonio. “Through knowledge sharing and exchange, mentoring allowed me to learn new things and how to apply them to my day-to-day work routine. This continuous learning process not only enriches my own professional growth but also keeps me motivated and inspired to innovate and stay ahead in my career."
Tuition Reimbursement Program
The tuition reimbursement program is another way that Rehab Medical showcases their willingness to invest in the betterment of their employees. For those who chose to take advantage of this program, the company provides employees with up to $2,000 in education funds per calendar year so they can pursue education opportunities.
“Rehab Medical’s tuition assistance program has been incredibly beneficial,” said Dania Samhouri, regional branch manager for Rehab Medical of Florida. “Thanks to the program, I successfully earned my master’s degree in health administration. This achievement has equipped me with enhanced skills and knowledge, enabling me to make greater contributions in my current role and future positions.”
Because of the company making an investment in the educational development of their employees, in late 2023, the company hit an industry milestone of reaching 100 assistive technology professionals (ATPs). This achievement could not have been made possible without the tuition reimbursement program assisting employees with the cost of ATP courses and training seminars.
A Few Leaders Who Promote Our Compassionate Culture
In addition to the various initiatives and programs that Rehab Medical created to foster compassion in the workplace, there are also key leaders within the company that have created their own programs and initiatives to build a compassionate work environment within their department.
Michael Jackson, Vice President of Compliance
When it comes to leading with compassion, Michael draws inspiration from his faith and daily life. He believes that honesty, integrity, compassion, hope, respect, genuine care, and concern for others should form the foundation of how we live each day. In his leadership, he embodies these values, demonstrating a commitment to leading by example.
“As a leader, we must never forget the values we "wished" our leadership would have had when we were young and starting out, then become that leader we wished for. Ultimately, I feel that how I live my life must directly reflect how I lead,” said Michael.
What makes Michael an exceptional leader and great role model for leading with compassion is his ability to prioritize the growth, well-being, and empowerment of his team and those he encounters regularly. In most traditional corporate environments, leadership often focuses primarily on the company’s success. However, as a servant leader, Michael chooses to put the needs of his team first. Each day, he aims to foster an inclusive environment that enables his team to thrive as their authentic selves. He seeks opportunities where his team can grow and develop their skillsets. By putting the needs of his team first, he can indirectly contribute to the success of the company while also supporting the overall mission.
A few members on Michael’s team can also attest to the compassion and care he shows. Richard DeLeon, compliance coordinator and Anton Chase, compliance manager, talk about the compassion they’ve experienced while being on Michael’s team.
“Michael Jackson is the most compassionate leader I have ever had the privilege to work with,” said DeLeon. “He prioritizes listening to us and making sure he understands the situation as well as how it impacts us. He encourages us to be honest with him and ourselves because our well-being is important to him.
Michael provides us with the support we need to complete our tasks and looks for opportunities for us to apply our strengths or become involved in areas of the company we may be interested in,” concluded DeLeon.
“Michael is an exceptional leader because he exemplifies the old adage of ‘lead by example’,” said Chase. “He is committed to ensuring the success of his team, whether that be coming in early, staying late, or rolling up his sleeves and being in the trenches. His unwavering level of integrity and commitment to doing things the right way is infectious and makes everyone around him better.
Lastly, I feel his ability to meet people where they are is exceptional. To be a great leader you must know that your team is comprised of individuals with different challenges and struggles. Michael’s ability to mentor within his space as well as throughout the organization is a true testament to him as a leader but more importantly as a human being,” concluded Chase.
Jennifer Landers, Director of Insurance
Jennifer knows that showing compassion for her employees is crucial to the success of her team. She understands that life events can impact work, sometimes preventing employees from performing at their best. When she leads with compassion, she begins by being flexible and adaptable to unforeseen circumstances. She believes this fosters a better work-life balance for her employees and reduces her team's stress levels.
“We all have lives outside of work, and I make every effort to support that,” remarked Jennifer. I make it a point to remind everyone that although life can be challenging at times, there is always a reason to be thankful.
During our staff meetings, I include an agenda item at the end called ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ where I ask my team to share what they are thankful for. I want each one of my employees to know they are seen and appreciated because they DO make a difference.”
In addition to asking her team what they are thankful for, she also makes it a point to care about the small things in each of her employees’ lives. Whether it be a random thank you note for their hard work, a small token of appreciation, checking in with an employee after a day of not feeling well, or inquiring about important events or people in an employee's life, she recognizes that there are going to be good and bad days and is willing to provide whatever resources needed for her employees to succeed.
A few members of Jennifer’s team can also attest to the compassion and care she shows for her team. Lela-Ann Kemp, an insurance approvals representative, and Alyssa Bently, a preauthorization manager, talk about the compassion they’ve experienced while being on Jennifer’s team.
"I have never been a part of a team where the leaders continuously go out of their way to provide snacks, feminine hygiene products, or emergency drinks for diabetics on the team, simply out of the kindness of their hearts,” said Kemp. “Jennifer and her team of leaders have even provided these amenities from out of their own pockets to ensure we thrive and survive in today’s world. I feel lucky to be part of the insurance team and the level of care they show is a huge reason why I stay with Rehab Medical," concluded Kemp.
“Jennifer has taken a great interest in the development and growth of our insurance department,” said Bently. “With almost seventy employees and nine direct reports, we have a very large team. She has made it a goal to ensure we are always trying to elevate ourselves and our teams and to never let good be good enough. She encourages my professional development as a leader and recognizes those on our teams who go above and beyond,” concluded Bently.
As Rehab Medical continues to grow and strives to improve the lives of its patients, partners, and employees, compassion will always be at the forefront. We truly value the care and concern our leaders and coworkers show towards each other. If you’re interested in being a part of a great team that has an infinite amount of growth opportunities, we invite you to explore our careers page for career opportunities with Rehab Medical.