Hello Everyone,

I don’t know where to begin, so I will jump right in.  LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE!

Not too long ago, Hackensack Meridian Health announced that they would be shutting down their onsite childcare programs across the organization.

It was an ill-conceived, poorly communicated, and wholly disruptive decision.  However, it was a decision that lit a spark within team members, parents, and community members.

That spark quickly grew into a bona fide movement.  Every single person who signed this petition (nearly 11,000 people), donated to get it promoted (Change.org received nearly $6,000 to support our cause), joined the Facebook group, spoke out on calls, to the media, to executives and government officials, or even just mentioned it to friends, family, and coworkers… every one of you played a SIGNIFICANT role in the outcome.  The centers will remain open indefinitely.

Let’s just take a moment to understand what that means.  Because of your efforts…

-> Team members who have dedicated themselves to the childcare programs can keep or return to their jobs.
-> HMH leadership has learned some valuable lessons; that the childcare programs play a critical role in the healthcare delivery ecosystem; that profits and losses have to be measured in more than just dollars and cents; how much the teachers and staff at the centers are appreciated, needed, and loved; and hopefully they’ve learned that communication and transparency are key - because engaging people in the decisions that affect them can have surprisingly effective outcomes  (sounds like a GPTW question, no?) and that making uninformed decisions can have serious repercussions.
-> The childcare programs may now be propelled even further, with a greater focus on harmonization, teacher and team member retention, and possibly higher enrollment.
-> MOST IMPORTANTLY:  Current students and generations of children to come will continue to have a safe, supportive, nurturing, and educational environment where they can learn and play - enabling team members to focus on HMH’s mission of delivering the best healthcare in New Jersey.

As I stated, nearly 11,000 people signed this petition.  Obviously they are not all teachers or team members of the childcare centers.  But I hope this movement and its outcome inspires them and fills them with the hope, confidence, and assurance they need to continue doing the amazing work and shouldering the awesome responsibility they’ve been charged with.  I hope they realize that we love them, we see them, and that for everything they’ve done for our children, we will always have their backs.

Now, as for Hackensack Meridian Health and the leadership involved in this…  I mean it sincerely when I ask everyone to realize that they are not villains.  Villains inflict harm, indiscriminately, and with the sole purpose of causing harm.  They do not aspire to goodness or greatness.  They do not care to learn, grow, or change.

To the contrary, HMH leadership made a mistake (ok, several, but who’s counting?) in miscalculating the effects of a decision.  As a result, the stakeholders (that’s us!) did what was necessary to ensure that leadership was made aware of said mistake.

True to HMH’s core principles, and current motto, they have reevaluated their position and have committed to correcting the situation.  They have committed to Keep Getting Better, and that’s exactly what they’re doing.

In an era of the one-and-done cancel culture, it’s critical to understand that mistakes will be made.  The value of a person, or an organization, is not based solely on never making a mistake.  It’s about accepting that a mistake has been made, and learning from that mistake to move forward in a positive fashion.

I hope that HMH has learned a thing or two here.

I think some lessons are still in session, like how to communicate effectively, uniformly, and in a timely manner.  Or that the people doing the work every day may have a different, but equally valid, perspective and understanding of how this company does and should operate, and that they should be engaged in the decision making processes.  Their experience is both valuable, and priceless.

But hey, we’re getting there!

So, what’s next?

I’d like to see HMH present a cohesive and comprehensive plan.  I’d like to see them develop a unified strategy to communicate that plan.  I’d like to see all of the childcare programs adopt a uniform service offering that meets the needs of team members, parents, and children, but also streamlines and increases the efficiency of the centers to create a more sustainable program.  I’d still like to see HMH engage with teachers, team members, and parents on the future plans for the program.  A seat at the table.

In closing, I need to repeat the overwhelming gratitude I have for everyone’s efforts in making the goal of this movement into a reality.  I am proud, humbled, and excited to be part of a community that rallied in support of something inherently good.  I am both inspired and relieved knowing that our leaders heard our voices, understood our concerns, and pivoted to meet the needs of those affected.  And while everyone’s role in this movement has been significant, there have been a few champions along the way who have gone above and beyond in coordinating, vocalizing, and focusing the efforts that have gotten us to this moment.  You know who you are, and you’re incredible.

And finally, to our teachers… your sacrifices and struggles do not go unnoticed.  You are a critical brick in the foundation of this organization’s success. The role you play in our children's lives could never be filled by anyone else, anywhere else.  This movement was as much about you as it was our own children.  Words have not been written to adequately express our gratitude for everything you do.  We love you, and I hope you are inspired to stay at HMH with renewed faith in leadership’s  commitment to support you.

For all the teachers, parents, and children who separated in justified desperation, I hope you find your way back to us.  If this movement has proven anything, it’s that life at HMH would not be the same without you.

THANK YOU, ALL!