2011 Working Mother Best Companies for Kids Award

A national magazine says only 10 companies in the U.S. have been recognized for programs that help employees who have children, and University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics is one of them.

The hospital received high marks from Working Mother magazine for child care initiatives available to employees; policies concerning maternity, paternity and adoption leaves and paid time off; and work/life programs for pregnant women and moms and employees with dependent-care needs.

"This is a tremendous honor to receive from Working Mother magazine," said Janice Bultema, UW Hospital senior vice president, human resources. "While our family-friendly programs and initiatives were created to assist our own employees, it is also rewarding when others outside our organization recognize our accomplishments."

Learn what three UW Hospital employees value about working at UW Hospital and Clinics:

Jamie Hendrix UW Health Access Center Manager   Jamie was excited to hear that both of her sons expressed an interest in a health care profession after attending the hospital's annual "Take Our Children to Work Day" program. Now two doctors are in her future, and hopefully ours.

Kari Stampfli American Family Children's Hospital Clinical Nurse Specialist   Kari feels fortunate for the supportive culture that demonstrates a commitment toward an employee's home life, with family coming first.

Nate Asuncion UW Hospital Imaging Specialist   As working parents, Nate Asuncion appreciates that he and his wife can rely on the Backup Care program as a trustworthy child care option when they’re in a pinch.

Among the hospital’s family-friendly initiatives is the unique Back-Up Care program, which supports employees who face a temporary breakdown in their normal child, adult or elder care arrangements and need to arrange for alternative care, so they’re able to get to work and focus on their work responsibilities. Employees have the choice of certified center-based or in-home back-up care for children of all ages, as well as access to certified in-home professionals for assistance with adult or elder care.

Nathaniel Asuncion says Back-Up Care has been useful when he and his wife need assistance to take care of their child.

"My wife and I both work for the hospital, so finding someone to watch our daughter when our regular day care provider is off is a must," he said. "The Back-Up Care program has been a lifesaver. Now we know that we will always have a reliable day care provider for our daughter on those days when our regular provider is unavailable."

As a working mother herself, Donna Katen-Bahensky, UW Hospital and Clinics President and CEO, knows the importance of employees receiving the support they need in order to be their best at both roles.

"Our dedicated caregivers and staff have two families: one at UW Hospital and Clinics and the other at home," said Katen-Bahensky. "They are not just dedicated employees, but dedicated family members. These specialized programs help support our staff and balance their roles at home and at work."

This is the first time Working Mother has honored companies for programs that benefit employees' children.

The publication has also ranked UW Hospital one of the "100 Best" companies for working mothers annually since 2007. The magazine has also named UW Hospital as one of the best companies for hourly workers two years in a row.

Working Mother magazine, with a circulation of 2,000,000, is the only publication dedicated to working mothers.

Learn more about UW Hospital and Clinics Benefits and Culture