Over the past six years, Lane County has focused on improving health and wellness to achieve two outcomes: 1) reduce health care-related costs, allowing Lane County to invest more of its limited resources into direct services for the community, and 2) increase employee productivity, engagement, recruitment and retention.
“We are pleased to be recognized as the healthiest employer in Oregon, but even more rewarding is what these efforts mean to our employees and residents,” said Lane County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky. “Despite the many challenges of the past year, this recognition, along with our historic bond rating, a structurally balanced budget, low employee turnover and high satisfaction rate indicate that we are prepared to meet the challenges ahead.”
Lane County’s annual budget has been structurally balanced for the past five years. In 2019, Moody’s Investor Services raised Lane County’s bond rating for the second time in two years to the highest level in its history. In 2021, 85 percent of Lane County employees stated they were satisfied with their jobs and would recommend working for the county to someone they know. Over the past two years, Lane County’s employee turnover rate was below 10 percent, the lowest in the past decade and below national averages for state and local governments.
Lane County’s health and wellness center, called the Live Well Center, was highlighted during the award presentation for achieving a 97 percent satisfaction rate from patients and lauded as the cornerstone of Lane County’s wellness efforts. In 2020, the County’s focus on wellness pivoted to incorporate stress management, including addressing the effects of the pandemic and wildfires. Lane County also provides clinical assessments, behavioral health services and wellness challenges. Monthly and annual checkpoints have been created for a tri-level approach of mental, physical and financial wellness.
In 2017, 2018 and 2019, Lane County was ranked third healthiest large employer. In 2020, Lane County was ranked second healthiest larger employer, and in 2018 was listed within the top 100 healthiest employers nationally.
Portland Business Journal provides the rankings, with employers rated based on an index composed of six categories: culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communications and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analytics. There are five categories: small (2–99 employees), medium (100–499), large (500-1,499), larger (1,500–4,999) and largest (5,000+).
📣 Support Your Local News Publication: Donate to Highway 58 Herald! 📣
The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.
Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!
Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!