Valley Health Systems Demonstrates Employee Appreciation

HOLYOKE — Valley Health Systems Inc., which consists of Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke Medical Group, Holyoke VNA Hospice Life Care, and River Valley Counseling Center, has once again expressed appreciation to employees by providing a certificate to use at locally owned food establishments.

With more than 2,000 employees, Valley Health Systems expects this project to contribute approximately $100,000 into the local economy.

“Our executive leadership would normally celebrate the holiday season with our staff members by personally serving a nice meal to all employees. Once again, we had to balance our desire to show our appreciation and celebrate the holidays with being responsible,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems. “We solicited feedback from employees and businesses about last year’s alternative of a $50 gift certificate redeemable at area restaurants and food establishments. The feedback was all positive. Therefore, we decided to do the same this year. The gift will allow our team, who have continued to work tirelessly serving the health needs of our community, to enjoy a well-deserved meal with their family, while also supporting locally owned restaurants.”

Each voucher will be worth up to $50 at participating local food establishments in Holyoke, Chicopee, South Hadley, Westfield, and West Springfield, the primary service area of Valley Health Systems. The participating list of establishments is based on employee feedback of where they would like to be able to redeem the voucher. The non-reproducible, custom certificates are printed on special Holojet paper donated by Holyoke-based Hazen Paper Co..

In addition to the holiday certificates, Valley Health Systems is sponsoring a Thankful Thursday program for all employees. Small tokens of appreciation are given to staff to thank them for their hard work and dedication. In honor of Thanksgiving, all team members were provided with a restaurant-quality, frozen, ready-to-bake apple pie. A free raffle was also held each week throughout the month of December for items generously donated to the organization.

“While the pandemic has been challenging, the staffing shortage has taken its place as the main stressor,” Hatiras said. “We want our team to know that we will continue to do everything we can to provide the best possible working environment under the circumstances, and that their patience and efforts are greatly appreciated.”