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Innovation Network
- O r g a n i z a t i o n a l _ I n n o v a t i o n -
Washoe Health System
Washoe Health System is a large, health-care delivery system based in Reno, Nevada. Each of the 3,000 employees of Washoe are involved with the innovation program which is focused on creating a healing place for patients and employees. The innovation is seen as the single most important tool to ensure that Washoe achieves its goal of providing "superior, cost-effective services" to their communities.
In order to demonstrate the commitment to innovation of the entire organization, every member of the senior management team dedicates 12 hours per week teaching innovation tools and philosophies in the Washoe corporate university. In addition to this very visible commitment, Washoe has an extremely innovative physical environment, including a grand piano in the lobby, strolling musicians and performers, a massage school on campus to provide free massages to patients, visitors, family members and employees, and a pet therapy program.
One of the more unusual programs at Washoe is its "Rectal Tip of the Month" program. Rather than waiting passively for suggestions to come in, at Washoe employees are "gifted" with a rectal tip which they are required to physically keep with them until they come up with a new idea to be implemented for improving quality, service and care. Implementation of their new idea allows the employee to get rid of the "tip" and give it to a co-worker of their choice. Over time, the rectal tip has been decorated and has become a humorous artifact for stimulating new ideas.
A detailed report of the innovation initiatives of the seven George Land World Class Innovator Awards are available for $49.95. See Product Order Form