Rural health system Gunnison Valley Health, operates with a mission to improve community health and promote lifelong wellness, guided by the values of integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence, or “ICARE”. Emphasizing a just culture and continuous improvement, the system fosters a psychologically safe workplace that encourages learning, process enhancement and personal growth. The organization offers a benefits package directly shaped by employee feedback, including premium health plans, infertility treatment, sleep consultation, acupuncture, mental health access without network restrictions and a $750 lifestyle spending account. With a strong emphasis on equity and belonging, the system collaborates with the local multicultural center, employs bilingual navigators to support non-English speaking populations and provides ongoing inclusivity education to staff. Professional development is prioritized through initiatives like the in-house leadership academy, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification and full access to LinkedIn Learning, helping employees grow from frontline staff to executive leaders. In 2024, the system achieved a 64th percentile employee engagement score, reduced turnover by 7.66% and cut contract labor costs by 25%. For 2025, the team is focused on enhancing wellness and work-life balance to further support its mission of delivering exceptional care to neighbors, family and friends.
