Employee Appreciation Payment Set for This Week

Last week, CEO David Verinder made the welcome announcement that SMH team members would receive a special appreciation payment this Thursday, July 29. Here are the details:

• Full-time regular/per diem employees will receive $500.
• Part-time regular/per diem employees will receive $250.
• Employees up to and including the director-level position who are employed in good standing as of July 11, 2021 are eligible for the lump-sum appreciation payment.
• The payment will be direct-deposited, less applicable taxes, in employees’ bank accounts on Thursday, July 29.

David noted that the special payment this week is an “extra step to recognize employees’ extraordinary response” throughout the pandemic.”

When COVID-19 inpatient numbers dropped about a month ago, the organization had hoped to start resuming employee recognition activities such as the annual fall picnic. Over the last few weeks, the number of COVID-19 inpatients — the vast majority of whom are not fully vaccinated — has risen rapidly at SMH and other hospitals throughout the state.

As a result, SMH is postponing plans for employee gatherings, but still wanted “to share our deepest appreciation for staff’s exceptional patient care, hard work and sacrifices,” said David. Despite the tremendous toll of the past year-and-a-half and pandemic fatigue and stress, everyone continued to put aside their own needs to care for the community and support their team members, he said.

“We are truly grateful for all you do, and look forward to a time when we can gather in-person to recognize your commitment to those we serve,” he added.