Stands as a testament to the transformative power of strategic HR leadership, Cathy C. Dickinson is a distinguished Human Resources professional with a wealth of experience leading every facet of HR operations. From benefits and compensation to employment law and recruitment, Cathy possesses a comprehensive skill set that encompasses the entire spectrum of human resources management. As a strategic partner, she aligns organizational goals with best practices, ensuring the maximization of employee potential and the cultivation of a positive work environment.

In the field of employee relations, Cathy thrives on the challenge, viewing it as one of the most dynamic aspects of HR. Her secret to overcoming these challenges lies in the art of empathy. Cathy brings a personal touch to handling employee relations issues, navigating conflicts, managing disciplinary matters, and nurturing a positive workplace. Striking a delicate balance between interpersonal dynamics, company policies, and legal considerations, she relies on empathy as the cornerstone of her approach.

Empathy, for Cathy, is not just a virtue but a strategic tool that allows her to connect with employees on a profound level. This connection fosters trust and creates a supportive atmosphere that addresses individual concerns while working collaboratively towards solutions beneficial to both employees and the organization. In the realm of effective employee relations, Cathy’s approach is grounded in strong communication, conflict resolution skills, and a keen understanding of the diverse needs of individuals and the organization.

Cathy’s exceptional contributions to the field of HR have not gone unnoticed. She has garnered recognition and accolades, including the Power Women 2023 award from Arkansas Money and Politics, the Top 100 Women of Impact in Arkansas by the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, and a finalist for the Oncon Icon Awards “Top 100 Human Resources Professional Award” in 2022.

Cathy’s Journey

Cathy has always been passionate about working with and serving people. Her career journey began with Baptist Health in 1988, attracted by the organization’s culture of Christian compassion and commitment to community service. Starting in a clerical role, Cathy aspired to advance within the organization through hard work.

Over the years, she progressed from a staffing director in nursing and human resources to the corporate director, vice president of human resources and eventually the chief human resources officer. Notably, Cathy achieved the milestone of becoming the first woman on the executive team.

Throughout her career, Cathy’s success in the HR discipline can be attributed to her genuine desire to foster positive workplace environments. This commitment has played a pivotal role in her flourishing within the organization, reflecting her dedication to creating supportive and nurturing workplace cultures.

Compassionate and Innovative Healthcare Excellence in Arkansas

For more than 100 years, Baptist Health has delivered all our best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health began in 1921 as an extension of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention with a single hospital in downtown Little Rock. Today, Baptist Health is Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care system with more than 250 points of access that include 12 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; Baptist Health College Little Rock; and a graduate residency program. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas. Baptist Health provides the best health care available with state-of-the-art technology and equipment throughout the state via medical centers, family clinics, mobile health units, rural outreach programs and physician offices. The health care system is the third-largest source of private sector employment in the state – behind only Walmart and Tyson Foods. Cathy states, “We provide care to patients through the support of approximately 11,000 employees and 1,500 physicians with active and consulting privileges.”

Shaping the Future of Baptist Health

As a member of the executive team, Cathy plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic goals of the organization. Her primary focus is on understanding the organization’s long-term strategy and ensuring that employees are aligned with these goals. This involves cultivating the right talent with the necessary skills to meet Baptist Health’s future needs.

HR analytics is a cornerstone of decision-making, using data to identify gaps through performance management. This process links performance indicators to strategic goals, facilitating the targeted development of current staff and the recruitment of new team members aligned with organizational objectives.

Leadership within Baptist Health is integral to driving strategic goals, and Human Resources, under Cathy’s leadership, chairs the leadership development council. This council envisions aligning the organization’s future leadership needs with professional growth and succession planning.

Baptist Health, according to Cathy, is more than a business; it’s a healing ministry that cares for the whole person. This ethos extends beyond patients and communities to encompass employees. Creating a workplace where employees can thrive personally and professionally is central to achieving organizational goals and resonates with Cathy’s passion for nurturing a positive work environment.

Building Trust through Valued Contributions

According to Cathy, trust is the bedrock for fostering a positive work environment at Baptist Health. She emphasizes that employees trust an organization more when they perceive that their contributions are valued, and the organization genuinely cares about their well-being. Baptist Health places a premium on communication, recognition, and opportunities for professional growth as key elements in building trust and promoting inclusive leadership.

Looking ahead to 2024, the focus on employee engagement at Baptist Health will center on cultivating a culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and respect for individual contributions. This strategic emphasis is designed not only to demonstrate but also to further build trust among employees. Cathy acknowledges the challenges of balancing these priorities amidst the daily whirlwind of business operations. However, she underscores that when executed effectively, it maximizes employee potential and boosts morale within the organization.

Robust Measures for Diversity and Inclusion

Baptist Health has instituted robust measures to ensure that its diversity and inclusion efforts are closely aligned with organizational policies. Cathy reveals that the foundation for these efforts lies in the establishment of a dedicated diversity and inclusion committee, comprised of both employees and key leaders within the organization. An annual diversity and inclusion survey is conducted, and the outcomes are transparently communicated to all employees.

Effective communication is maintained through the diversity and inclusion committee, regular policy reviews, and ongoing education initiatives using internal publications and weekly huddles. Baptist Health is committed to achieving diverse representation in marketing materials, company events, and leadership positions. Leadership training programs, including unconscious bias training and upcoming inclusive leadership programs, aim to foster a more inclusive workplace culture.

Furthermore, Baptist Health has conducted a comprehensive review of all compensation practices to ensure equitable pay across the organization. By incorporating these initiatives into its policies, Baptist Health demonstrates a steadfast commitment to maintaining alignment between its goals and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Perspective on Baptist Health’s Multi-Faceted Approach

According to Cathy, Baptist Health has undertaken a multi-faceted approach to foster an inclusive work environment at all organizational levels. The initial step involved the establishment of a Diversity and Inclusion Committee, designed to create a sustainable framework promoting diversity and inclusion. Subsequent initiatives include comprehensive diversity training to raise awareness about diversity, inclusion, and unconscious biases. The committee has implemented an annual survey for employees to provide feedback on workplace inclusivity, using this input to drive continuous improvements.

Baptist Health actively nurtures diverse leadership and has incorporated inclusive hiring practices to attract a diverse talent pool. Flexible work arrangements are offered to accommodate diverse needs and promote work-life balance where feasible. Policy reviews have been conducted to eliminate unintentional biases and promote inclusivity. The organization received high scores on recent engagement surveys, particularly in the areas of fair treatment irrespective of race, age, or gender.

The organization’s commitment to supporting women in the workplace is evident through various initiatives, including a preschool, tuition assistance, employee assistance programs, financial wellness programs, flexible scheduling, and more. Over the past nine years, Baptist Health has seen a 375% increase in women serving in leadership roles (vice president or above). Recent recognitions, such as being named one of America’s Great Workplaces by Newsweek, highlight Baptist Health’s achievements in fostering diversity, supporting women in the workplace, and empowering job starters in 2023.

Fueled by Hard Work and Strong Relationships

Cathy emphasizes the significance of a blend of hard work and adaptability as essential attributes contributing to her success. The ability to adapt to challenges and persevere through them has played a crucial role in her professional journey. Additionally, self-awareness and resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges have been key factors in sustaining long-term success. Cathy acknowledges the importance of strong relationships, highlighting that the support and guidance of trusted connections are imperative in navigating the dynamic work environment and achieving growth.

An Award-Winning Workplace

Baptist Health’s outstanding workplace culture, characterized by caring, Christian compassion, respect, and excellence, has garnered prestigious recognition as one of America’s Great Workplaces by Newsweek. The organization achieved acclaim in various categories, marking its dedication to fostering diversity, supporting workplaces for women, empowering job starters, and promoting family-friendly environments in 2023. Notable accolades include being recognized as America’s Greatest Workplace for Women, Diversity, Job Starters, Parents & Families, and Overall Greatest Workplaces in 2023.

This recognition is a testament to Baptist Health’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for women, who constitute 77% of the workforce. Cathy expressed enthusiasm for the honor, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of women within the healing ministry. The recognition is the result of a comprehensive study conducted by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group, encompassing reviews and surveys from over 224,000 employees in more than 37,000 companies.

Baptist Health’s deliberate efforts over the past nine years to increase women in leadership roles have yielded impressive results, with a 375% increase in the number of women serving in vice president or above positions. The leadership team, comprising directors and above, is now 51% women, reflecting a more representative composition aligned with the broader employee population.

The organization’s steadfast support for women extends beyond recognition, with various initiatives such as preschool facilities, tuition assistance, employee assistance programs, financial wellness programs, fitness centers, flexible scheduling, career development opportunities, an employee emergency fund, executive coaching, diversity and inclusion committees, and maternity and breastfeeding resources. This multifaceted approach underscores Baptist Health’s commitment to providing a supportive and empowering workplace for women at every stage of their professional journey.

Success Through Effective Time Management and Personal Well-being

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a cornerstone of Cathy’s approach to success. This involves effective time management, where she allocates her energy thoughtfully between professional commitments and personal life. Clear boundaries are set to prioritize tasks and create dedicated time for church activities, family, and friends. Recognizing the importance of self-care and personal hobbies, Cathy understands that nurturing these aspects is vital to prevent burnout and lead a fulfilling life.

Mentorship, and Resilience in Human Resources

Cathy offers valuable advice for professional growth and career advancement, emphasizing the following key points:

• Active Networking: Actively engage in networking to build meaningful connections within your industry.
• Seek Mentorship: Seek mentorship to gain guidance and insights from experienced professionals.
• Trust Your Abilities: Embrace your uniqueness, believe in yourself, and act confidently in alignment with your beliefs.
• Resilience and Challenge: Cultivate resilience and a willingness to take on challenges, contributing to a successful career.

Among Cathy’s proudest accomplishments is the completion of her college degree. Cathy faced significant life events early in her career that hindered her educational journey. However, achieving a master’s degree in Business Administration later in her professional path was a rewarding milestone. She advocates the idea that it’s never too late to pursue goals and underscores the lifelong value of learning.

Cathy expresses her love for her career in human resources, highlighting its role in shaping positive workplace cultures, supporting and developing talented individuals, and contributing to the overall success of employees and patients. She finds fulfillment in pursuing her passion for mentoring and coaching others while promoting employee well-being. Cathy concludes with a favorite quote from Dolly Parton, emphasizing the importance of actions that create a legacy inspiring others to dream, learn, do more, and become more, signifying excellence in leadership.

Please visit: https://www.baptist-health.com/