Kaiser Permanente says it promotes a Speak Up culture. Unfortunately, frontline staff does not feel free to speak up, and the reason for this is that you (the company) do not listen up. Most recently, we have observed management prejudice and even take actions that go against those that speak up. This erodes our trust in your leadership and the integrity of the organization.
In a recent instance, members of the urgent care staff at Lone Tree have continually raised issues about patient and worker safety, quality of care, and level of service to Kaiser's patients. The company has not meaningfully resolved the issues that the staff has raised. Quite the opposite, management has taken actions by disregarding seniority in scheduling. This fits a pattern and in fact illuminates what your people pulse reflects – the longer you stay with Kaiser the less likely you are to speak up. You are training your workforce to shut up. Instead, we will unite in solidarity to speak up.
We ask senior leaders Roland Lyon, Jason Tacha, Debbie Zuege to truly Listen Up:
• Reverse your anti-worker, anti-union actions; specifically respect seniority in scheduling at urgent care Lone Tree and at the Pharmacy Automated Refill Center;
• Train your managers to celebrate those who speak up – do not take actions against them;
• Resolve the myriad of safety issues that the staff has raised;
• Enable, empower and provide the resources that the frontline needs to do great patient care.
