September 29, 2006

Working Mother magazine recognizes MGH for supporting working mothers

Hiyam Nadel, RN, (left) does it all. She is the clinical nurse manager of the outpatient service for MGH Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, managing a large staff on the main campus and at Mass General West. She also is the proud mother of 7-year-old Molly (left) and is the wife of Allen Nadel, MD, who also works at the MGH. Like many working mothers, Nadel aims to meet the responsibilities of both her busy career and her family. With the support of the MGH, she is able to strike a balance between the two.

"I have a demanding job, but my department and the hospital recognize that I have demands at home, too," says Nadel. "Fortunately, I've been able to take advantage of some of the programs the hospital has to offer, like the Backup Child Care Center. Molly loves coming to the center on snow days or during school vacation. It is a treat for me because I get to see her during the day and have lunch with her."

Because of the many benefits and services the MGH offers to support working mothers like Nadel, the hospital recently was selected as one of the top 100 companies in the nation for working mothers by Working Mother magazine. In its 20th year of publishing the top 100 list, Working Mother evaluates thousands of submissions and determines the list based on the submitting company's on-site childcare options, compensation, organizational culture and family-friendly policies.

The hospital offers a variety of programs that help MGH working mothers take care of their families, such as child care options, maternity and adoption leaves and flexible work schedules, as well as many Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services that address family issues. Working mothers at the MGH can build their careers and refine their work skills through ongoing course offerings, on-the-job training, career development opportunities and scholarships and grants. The MGH also has programs that help these women take care of themselves, including a health and wellness series and convenient on-site services to help employees take care of personal errands.

"Being on this list compiled by Working Mother magazine is a source of pride for us at the MGH," says Jeff Davis, senior vice president for Human Resources. "It shows us that we are doing a good job as an employer to support our working mothers, who not only work hard every day to help the hospital run smoothly but also work hard at home taking care of their families."

For more information about the Working Mother list and MGH benefits for working mothers, visit www.massgeneral.org/workingmothers.