New Orleans CityBusiness Honors North Oaks as Leading Employer Among Large Companies

Each year, New Orleans CityBusiness selects three companies in the Greater New Orleans area to receive Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards in the large and small company divisions of its “Best Places to Work” recognition program.

The regional business publication selected North Oaks Health System as its Bronze Award recipient out of 35 businesses recognized in the large company division. The announcement was made at a luncheon celebrating all honorees Friday, Dec. 6 at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans.

This marks the ninth time that New Orleans CityBusiness has recognized North Oaks as a "Best Place to Work" and the second time the health system has ranked in the top three leading large companies.

In announcing North Oaks Health System as the Bronze Award recipient, New Orleans CityBusiness asserted, "It would be easy for a large institution to overlook the individual needs of their employees. But North Oaks Health System has taken the opposite route. Not only are they concerned about their patients – they treat their staff just as well. Employees say they value the hospital’s family-first attitudes. They have onsite child care and a generous benefits plan, which many employees rely on to provide health care for their entire families. A positive attitude is evident in everyone from the top down, making an enjoyable workplace."

North Oaks was chosen as a finalist based on workforce data, such as average salaries, benefits, retention levels and opportunities available for employee advancement.

“Employee engagement is at the heart of our culture because we believe that positive patient experiences begin and end with an empowered team,” affirms Michele Sutton, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of North Oaks Health System. “We work very hard to establish personal connections and teamwork amongst our staff members so that everyone has a voice.”

North Oaks Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Jarreau concurs. “Through compassion, courtesy, commitment and communication, we foster a culture of excellence where health care professionals can do what they love, love what they do, realize their full potential and feel valued for their contributions to the health and wellness of our region,” he continues. “We are so proud of our incredible team’s work to improve lives every time and with every touch. They make this recognition possible.”

New Orleans CityBusiness profiled all businesses selected as best places to work in a special publication issued Dec. 6. 

For more information on employment opportunities with North Oaks Health System, click here or visit North Oaks Employment Center at 42161 Veterans Ave. in Hammond.

Accepting the award , from left, are: Orthopedic Service Line Leader Jessica Bennett; Chief Strategy and Outreach Officer Tracy Randazzo; Critical Care Charge Nurse and 2018 North Oaks Nurse Excellence of the Year award recipient Kassie McCoy; Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Jarreau; Public Relations Coordinator Melanie Lanaux Zaffuto; Provider Contract Coordinator Julie Hughs; Executive Assistant and 2018 North Oaks Employee of the Year Ruth Alack; Employee Services Director Tracy Pettigrew; and Emergency Services Director and 2018 North Oaks Leader of the Year Eric Neal.