November 2, 2022

We are in Week 2 of our three-week 2023 Annual Enrollment period, running now through 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 11. There’s still plenty of time to attend an event, get support and explore benefit options for you and your family.

You can learn about all of our benefit updates for 2023 and find the options that are right for you on the What’s New page at TexasChildrensBenefits.org. Along with comprehensive coverage options featuring no rate increases for the next year, we are offering on-site and virtual events to focus on your physical, mental and financial health.

Week 2 and 3 On-site Events, Virtual Sessions and Support

Benefits Fairs. Talk with Benefits team members and vendors about the resources and benefits available to help you meet your well-being goals.

Tuesday, November 1, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pavilion for Women
4th Floor Conference Rooms
E.475.80 and F.0475.70

Wednesday, November 2, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
West Campus Lobby

Wednesday, November 2, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Medical Center
The Auxiliary Bridge

Friday, November 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Woodlands Lobby

Monday, November 7, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
6330 West Loop
Basement Conference Room

In-person Enrollment Support. Benefits team members will be on-site to help you navigate available benefits throughout Week 3 at the following locations.

Monday, November 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
West Campus Room WA210

Wednesday, November 9, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Woodlands Lobby

Friday, November 11, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Feigin Building 19th Floor
Room C.014.0.05

Financial Health Virtual Presentation. Fidelity will lead a session with Q&A on Tuesday, November 8, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., specifically focusing on Texas Children’s retirement plans. Click here and take the following steps to attend: 1) Select “Attend a learning event” 2) Type “Texas Children’s” in the Employer Name field 3) Select “Virtual Event” in the Event Type field 4) Click to register for “Ask Fidelity: How to make the Most of Your Retirement Savings.”

PERMA Profiler Well-Being Survey. During Annual Enrollment you are encouraged to participate in our new annual survey, which measures five areas of your well-being – Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment. You can get confidential immediate results, while helping us plan initiatives that help you be your best self. You will find the survey link and assess your well-being on the What’s New page at TexasChildrensBenefits.org or by clicking here. For an optimal experience, we recommend you complete the survey while on the Texas Children’s network.

Important things to remember during Annual Enrollment

Select Dollars. Texas Children’s will continue to contribute the majority of the costs associated with our medical plans and will also continue its commitment of providing all full-time and part-time employees with additional funds (Select Dollars) on a bi-weekly basis to help offset the cost of benefit premiums, regardless of whether you are enrolled in Texas Children’s medical benefits.

Benefit changes. Under federal regulations, benefit changes after Annual Enrollment ends are not permitted except for qualified life events and job status changes. Otherwise, the next opportunity to change your benefit elections will be during the Fall 2023 Benefits Annual Enrollment period.

Questions? Need Help?

Ask EMMA, Your Personal Digital Benefits Advisor

Available 24/7 in both English and Spanish from any desktop or mobile device, Ask Emma offers confidential guidance and advice to help you select the right benefits for you and your family.

Benefits Team online and onsite Support

Click here to schedule an appointment between November 8 – 10 with a member of our Benefits team.

Texas Children’s Benefits Service Center

Our Benefits team is available to help from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 5. Spanish language assistance is also available via phone and web chat.

  • Phone 832-824-2421 (select option 1 and then option 1 again for Benefits).
  • Web chat (located at the top of your Benefits homepage).

We’ve done it again! Thanks to our One Amazing Team’s participation in the Houston Business Journal’s (HBJ) annual Best Places to Work survey, Texas Children’s Hospital ranked No. 10 in the extra-large companies (400+ employees) category.

“I am so grateful for your hard work and proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” said President and CEO Mark A. Wallace in his recent email. “Thank you for using your voices to tell the world that Texas Children’s is a place where we care for each other as much as we care for the members and patients we serve!”

Texas Children’s joined more than 100 finalists from across Houston to learn of their rankings on October 28, during a fun-filled, ’80s prom-themed celebration at the Marriott Marquis. Complete with a photo booth, live entertainment, and the crowning of the best-dressed prom king and queen, the awards luncheon was filled wall-to-wall with festive energy and anticipation!

Watch a video recap and view the photos below from the exciting event.

“The energy was electric! With all the bright colors, outfits, music and positive vibes, I was excited to be a part of the celebration,” said Woodlands Physician Assistant Danielle Comeaux, who went up on stage to accept the award. “I’m proud to say that working at Texas Children’s has been the most rewarding phase of my career yet, and this ranking solidifies the fact that I work for one of the best companies out there.”

Because of their contributions and dedication to our mission, some of our most distinguished employees participated in the event to receive the award and join in on the fun:

  • DAISY Award winners: Jakalin Pickens and Loida Paultanis
  • Best of the West: Stephanie Glad
  • Woodlands Shining Star: Danielle Comeaux
  • Super Star Award winner: Jill Sarro

The HBJ’s Best Places to Work lists are compiled by Quantum Workplace, who provides a confidential survey to employees of nominated companies, then compiles scores based on corporate culture, amenities, benefits, and worker retention and attraction strategies

On the heels of our #2 ranking by U.S. News & World Report, this exciting recognition is just another milestone to celebrate with pride as we build our Tomorrow, Together. By investing in its people, Texas Children’s is dedicated to ensuring every team member feels valued for their contributions…because honors like these wouldn’t be possible without you!

Many were shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic incident on Oct. 22 at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. Any news of this kind is unsettling, but this one hits especially close to home as fellow Texans and health care workers. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by these unspeakable events.

Update on safety and security measures

Texas Children’s is investing in tools, processes and protocols across the system that will proactively address and inhibit threats like these, including.

  • Planned installation of a weapons detection overlay on our video surveillance system that will allow us to detect firearms and other weapons without the use of metal detectors.
  • Installation of bullet resistant film on windows and doors in high risk locations such as emergency centers, administrative offices, etc. Leaders may request a review of their areas if they feel they are high risk.
  • All TCH security officers are being trained in the specialized management and de-escalation of behavioral health incidents.
  • Security officers will be positioned on all first floor entrance locations at all hospital facilities. Urgent Care locations are currently staffed with an officer, as well as the Meyer and West Loop locations.
  • Placing 115 additional security personnel at The Woodlands, West Campus, TCPs, Specialty Care sites and The Medical Center. Recruitment begins this week.
  • Security Services will expand the city-wide Community Patrol model from four to eight active patrols consistently checking on sites and their occupants in Houston, as well as a single patrol in Austin.
  • Implemented mitigation strategies to increase employee safety and decrease vehicle theft on community campuses to include restricted parking garage access, required identification, license plate recognition and justification for being onsite.
  • Completed seven active shooter drills and 19 active shooter simulations since August 25, 2022 with additional drills and simulations scheduled between now and December 31, 2022.
  • Stood up a Threat of Violence Task Force to assess our progress, identify opportunities and understand the employee experience as it relates to safety.

These measures will help safeguard our team members, but everyone needs to play a role in safety and security. We need to continue to take care of each other. Everyone is empowered to listen to their intuition, trust their gut and use their voice when something doesn’t feel right. No one should worry about hurting each other’s feelings when it comes to watchful safety. Our desire to be nice can get in the way of being safe. If you see something, say something.

Safety tips
  • Opt in for emergency management communications delivered straight to your cell phone by texting the word “RESUME” to our SMS code “89361.”
  • Do not prop doors open or allow others to tailgate as you pass through a secured door.
  • Request to see credentials of unknown persons accessing restricted areas.
  • Be on the lookout for unusual behaviors.
  • Call a Security Services escort if you feel unsafe (ext. 4-5400).
  • Contact Security Services (ext. 4-5400) if you or others are being threatened by an aggressive or erratic individual.
Workplace violence training in HealthStream

The Security Services and Organizational Resilience teams have been conducting active shooter training across the organization to help prepare our employees in case we’re ever faced with those situations. Since in-person training cannot be attended by everyone, a new, workplace violence training course launched Oct. 31 in HealthStream to provide an overview on what workplace violence is, how to report it, as well as how to respond to those situations with de-escalation techniques.

Employee support resources

If you are struggling to cope with this event and need help, Texas Children’s Employee Assistance Program offers confidential counseling and other services. Our new workforce chaplains are also available to talk if you need them. Please call them at 832-824-3327 or email Sarah “Tuba” Alpat: stalpat@texaschildrens.org or Cletus Aakol: ckaakol@texaschildrens.org.

Recently, our workforce chaplains hosted a webinar to introduce themselves and their services, to explain how spiritual well-being can help our workforce live as their best selves in their personal and professional lives. There are additional webinars available in the coming weeks.

  • “Spiritual Care Resilience” program, Thursday, November 17 at Noon.
  • “Grief During the Holidays” webinar, Wednesday, December 14 at Noon.
  • Six week “Grief Group” led by the Workforce Chaplains starting in January. Dates and times will be announced at a later date.
October 26, 2022

It’s time to plan for your best Tomorrow, Together during 2023 Annual Enrollment, running now through 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 11.

Exciting updates for 2023 include no rate increases for medical, dental and vision benefits. Learn more and find the options that are right for you on the What’s New page at TexasChildrensBenefits.org.

This year, we are offering three weeks of on-site events, virtual sessions and support all geared toward helping you live your best today and reach your best tomorrow.

Week 1 Interactive Health Events. Kick off your annual enrollment experience by visiting our “Be Your Best You” areas, including massage chairs, spiritual and mental health stations, exercise demonstrations and InBody Health Assessments to help guide your physical well-being. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) representatives and Workforce Chaplains will be available to provide emotional support and talk about mental and physical benefit offerings while you engage in activities.

Schedule your InBody Health Assessment appointment ahead of time at The Medical Center | West Campus | The Woodlands.

Event / Location / Date  / Time
Pavilion for Women 4th Floor
Conference Rooms
E.475.80 and F.0475.70
Tuesday, October 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

West Campus Lobby and Conference Room
WH-01A (WC.150.10)
Wednesday, October 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Woodlands
WL.0280.02 Conference Center B
Friday, October 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Week 1 Virtual Benefits Fair. Austin-based, Texas Children’s Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Urgent Care, Health Plan and remote employees are invited to join Benefits, Well-Being and Cigna representatives for a unique virtual Benefits Fair experience on Thursday, October 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.

Find Week 2 and 3 events under Upcoming Events on Connect, as well as the What’s New page at TexasChildrensBenefits.org. Highlights include:

  • Benefits Fairs – Talk with Benefits team members and vendors about the resources and benefits available to help you meet your well-being goals at multiple locations.
  • On-site Enrollment Support – Benefits team members will be on-site at The Woodlands, West and Main campuses to offer in-person assistance.
  • Financial Health Virtual Presentation – Don’t miss the “Ask Fidelity: How to make the Most of Your Retirement Savings” virtual session during Week 3, with the opportunity to engage in Q&A.
Help us plan initiatives so you can Be Your Best You

We are excited to offer the PERMA Profiler Well-Being Survey, which measures five areas of your well-being – Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment. Your participation will help provide a Texas Children’s baseline for developing strategic initiatives to help you thrive and care for your well-being. You will find the link to take the confidential survey and assess your well-being on the What’s New page at TexasChildrensBenefits.org or by clicking here. For an optimal experience, we recommend you complete the survey while on the Texas Children’s network.

Important things to remember during Annual Enrollment

Select Dollars. Texas Children’s will continue to contribute the majority of the costs associated with our medical plans and will also continue its commitment of providing all full-time and part-time employees with additional funds (Select Dollars) on a bi-weekly basis to help offset the cost of benefit premiums, regardless of whether you are enrolled in Texas Children’s medical benefits.

Benefit changes. Under federal regulations, benefit changes after Annual Enrollment ends are not permitted except for qualified life events and job status changes. Otherwise, the next opportunity to change your benefit elections will be during the Fall 2023 Benefits Annual Enrollment period.

QUESTIONS? NEED HELP?

Ask Emma, Your Personal Digital Benefits Advisor

Available 24/7 in both English and Spanish from any desktop or mobile device, Ask Emma offers confidential guidance and advice to help you select the right benefits for you and your family.

Benefits Team Online and Onsite Support
Click here to schedule an appointment between November 8 –10 with a member of our Benefits team.

Texas Children’s Benefits Service Center

Our Benefits team is available to help from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, October 29 and November 5. Spanish language assistance is also available via phone and web chat.

  • Phone 832-824-2421 (select option 1 and then option 1 again for Benefits).
  • Web chat (located at the top of your Benefits homepage).

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