Secretary of the VA visits Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System; gives speech on investing in VA’s workforce
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Secretary Denis McDonough, addressed VA employees and toured the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System during his first-year anniversary of being the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, February 9, 2022 at the Charleston VA in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.
Secretary McDonough gave a speech that addressed investing in VA’s workforce and human infrastructure. Ways to improve workplace engagement, happiness, burnout, and retention were all covered by Secretary McDonough, as well as ways that VA leadership and the Federal Government are combating the issues that were addressed in the speech, which was broadcasted to all VA employees. The 10 major steps that were outlined by Secretary McDonough during his speech to VA employees were aimed at answering concerns that have been expressed over the past year by VA staff.
Secretary McDonough and his team chose the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System to deliver his one-year anniversary speech because of the reputation and results of the Charleston VA being a health care leader for Veterans. This was his first visit to the Charleston VA. The Secretary said that he was impressed with the RHJVAHCS and its accomplishments prior to his visit, but what he experienced while he was there exceeded his expectations.
During his visit, The Secretary was given a tour of the Charleston VA with demonstrations from the Charleston VA 3D Innovation Lab team and surgical team, showing the innovation that is propelling VA into the future and keeping its health care system as a top choice for Veterans. He had the opportunity to speak with employees about issues they face on a day-to-day basis and how he can help address those issues. He was briefed on the accomplishments that were achieved over the past year and how, even during the pandemic, The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System was able to reach a quality of care for Veterans that they not only needed, but they deserved.
During Secretary McDonough address, the following 10 major steps were outlined as ways that are being taken to invest in VA employees:
- Working with Congress to invest in wages.
- Maximizing bonuses and retention incentives
- Increasing opportunities to advance at VA.
- Expediting the hiring process.
- Offering greater flexibility in where employees work.
- Helping cover the cost of childcare.
- Investing in measures to improve well-being.
- Investing in education.
- Embedding inclusion, diversity, equity and access across VA.
- Protecting employees from COVID-19.
Each one of the points above were explained during his address in greater detail, with the specific details outlined and how each step will be accomplished. The 10 steps that are being taken will have an impact on every single VA employee, helping create a better workplace, a more competitive workplace, and ultimately, providing Veterans with even better quality of care.