Valentine’s Day Bonus Warms Hearts of Baptist Health’s 15,000 Employees

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When Baptist Health South Florida employees received their first paycheck in 2013, they were hit with the reality of lower take-home pay due to the renewed full social security deduction. Come Valentine’s Day, they’ll have a sweet recompense – a one-time employee appreciation bonus of up to $1,000.

“Another employee incurred several doctor bills from his daughter’s eye infection and this will pay those bills. My friend just moved to a new apartment with her four children this will gave her time to catch her breath.”

“With the sudden payroll tax increase in early January, everyone’s personal financial situation has been affected,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO of Baptist Health, South Florida’s largest private employer. “Our future is secure because of our people. They are our most important asset, and in this new and uncertain healthcare environment, we are making financially responsible decisions to maintain employment stability and the strength of the organization.”

All active employees in good standing who were hired before Oct. 1, 2012, are eligible to receive the appreciation bonus, with the exception of executives – assistant vice president and above – and Baptist Health-employed physicians, who chose to opt out of the program. Baptist Health will invest more than $12 million in this employee appreciation initiative.

The positive response from Baptist Health employees has been overwhelming. Comments in emails addressed to Keeley include:

“My sincerest thanks for this ‘Appreciation Bonus.’ I have been a part-time employee with Baptist since 1999. Right now many of us are struggling in today's economy so it is very welcomed.”

“Brian, this is what you won’t hear about, a co-worker told me that she has it spent before it comes, she is battling cancer and you can’t imagine how this will help ASAP.”

“My friend is going to Panama for a vacation to see his family and is thrilled that he will have more money to share with his folks.”

“Another associate has been sharing one car with his new wife since the parts to fix his will be several hundred dollars. He has been contemplating riding a bike while the weather is better but he would have to leave two hours early for work. This money has come at the perfect time.”

“Another employee incurred several doctor bills from his daughter’s eye infection and this will pay those bills. My friend just moved to a new apartment with her four children this will gave her time to catch her breath.”

“A good deed was done and I, we, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

Baptist Health South Florida is the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. It includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, South Miami Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Mariners Hospital and Baptist Outpatient Services. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net.