Bassett Healthcare Network Invests Nearly 50 Million in Compensation Increases for Its Workforce

Cooperstown, N.Y. – Bassett Healthcare Network in Central New York has undertaken a full compensation analysis for its caregivers and practitioners across eight counties, investing nearly $50 million into pay increases for its workforce. The analysis, accomplished in partnership with outside firms called Gallagher and Sullivan Cotter, has resulted in wage adjustments across the organization that are competitive across New York State. The project represents Bassett leadership’s intensified dedication to its caregivers and practitioners, recruitment and retention, and the health system’s surrounding communities.

“Bassett Healthcare Network is incredibly pleased to complete this important compensation analysis, a massive collaborative effort in support of our thousands of employees across the region,” says Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, President and CEO. “I can never say it enough – our caregivers and practitioners are the heartbeat of our organization and our most vital asset. Investing in our people is an investment in our patients and communities. I, along with our network board of directors, am 100 percent committed to making Bassett a best place to work nationally because our employees deserve nothing less.”

Bassett partnered with Gallagher to engage in comprehensive position reviews for every caregiver across the organization, examining job descriptions, years of service, education, experience, and market data among other details to put in place a new pay grade structure and harmonize job titles. More than 1,200 caregiver positions have been analyzed individually as part of the analysis. Meanwhile, a parallel assessment conducted by Sullivan Cotter will boost pay structures for Bassett’s practitioner population with a focus on improving incentivized compensation and rewarding quality.

“Our overall goal has been to make sure Bassett’s wages are in line with comparable job positions in our industry and region,” explains Christine Pirri, senior vice president and chief people and diversity officer at Bassett Healthcare Network. “Our Human Resources professionals have been diligently evaluating thousands of positions over many months to make sure we are rewarding all employees based on the market and their unique experiences and talents. We’re also paying everyone retroactively to when the analysis project began in January 2022.”

The full sweep compensation evaluation and adjustment comes on the heels of Bassett recently increasing its minimum wage to $16 an hour. One year ago, in July 2021, the network increased its minimum wage to $15. Other initiatives are being prioritized by the organization’s leadership to boost retention and recruitment. Bassett, which is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year, recently launched a new series of ads that underscore the institution’s legacy and more than century-long commitment to building healthy rural communities.

“When Dr. Mary Imogene Bassett – one of the first female medical directors in the history of the United States – founded our hospital in Cooperstown, she had a vision to pioneer advanced health care to our rural communities,” says Dr. Ibrahim. “I know she would be proud to see how we’ve carried out this tremendous legacy and continue to build upon it every day. What was originally a state-of-the-art research hospital nestled in Cooperstown is now a large health care system that spans eight counties and 5,600 square miles throughout Central New York – roughly the size of the state of Connecticut.”

Bassett Healthcare Network includes five hospitals (three of which are designated critical access hospitals), over two dozen community-based health centers, more than 20 school-based health centers, two skilled nursing facilities, a durable medical equipment company, a home health agency, and other partners in related fields. The institution is affiliated with Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and has established innovative relationships with companies like Optum.

“Opportunities are vast at Bassett for people seeking careers in many disciplines, both clinical and non-clinical,” says Pirri. “Join our team and make a difference in the lives of our communities every day. Join Bassett’s amazing legacy.”

Bassett Healthcare Network is hiring in all locations. Visit www.bassett.org/careers to explore opportunities across the region and apply today.