UVA Cornerstone Program is a leadership development program that spans the entire organization, including the Academic Division, UVA Health, UVA Physicians Group, and other entities.
As part of their Cornerstone Leadership Program project, one of the current cohorts wanted to deep dive into what makes UVA Health the best place to work. Through focus groups, interviews and a short survey in June — they invited UVA Health team members to reflect on three questions:
- What brings you joy at work?
- What fuels your passion?
- What could make your UVA Health experience even better?
1,865 team members shared their thoughts; here’s what we heard — and what’s next.
What matters most to you
You told us you feel the greatest sense of connection to UVA Health and each other when:
- Your opinions are valued.
- You have opportunities to grow.
- Your supervisor genuinely cares about you.
- Your contributions are recognized.
- You get to do what you do best every day.
Your overall satisfaction is most influenced by:
- Work-life balance
- Strong team collaboration
- Contentment with role and responsibilities
- Work autonomy
- Supportive work environment
Where we can grow together
You also highlighted areas where UVA Health can continue to improve:
- Visible rewards and recognition practices.
- Strengthening our supportive work culture.
- Clearer communication from leadership.
- Greater access to professional growth opportunities.
- Continued investment in long-term team members.
We’re committed to using your feedback to guide meaningful action — ensuring UVA Health remains a place where you can thrive, contribute, and grow.
So, what’s next?
You took time and energy to provide thoughtful feedback, and it is crucial that we ensure transparency and follow-through. Here are a few areas to highlight:
- Communication: The executive leadership team is making it a priority to provide more frequent, transparent updates on topics like operations initiatives and strategic planning. You can stay plugged in through Dr. Mitch Rosner’s “Updates from the EVP’s Office,” our Health Update newsletter, Connect website and newsletter, and engagement events like the next Town Hall on Sept. 30. I also want to shout out the many leaders who use department newsletters to summarize relevant updates each week to help keep their teams informed! One way you can help us continue to improve is to let us know how you like to hear from us; drop your ideas in the Be Heard Suggestion Box.
- Rewards and Recognition: There has been a lot of great brainstorming recently on new opportunities to celebrate our team members’ wins — creating a culture of appreciation is something Dr. Rosner is especially passionate about! Beyond these early efforts, there is ongoing progress by our HR and Rewards and Recognition partners to assess and address fair rewards and compensation across the medical center that are market-driven, competitive, and reflect the value of our team.
- Operations and Growth: As part of our FY26 priority to grow with purpose, planning has begun on an Integrated Facilities Process — a long-term blueprint for strategic growth and alignment with our mission across the next decade and beyond. A key part of this effort will be soliciting feedback earlier in operational project stages and keeping you updated on the planning process. You can expect to hear more about this initiative over the next several months.
There’s more to come, and your voice will continue to guide the culture and future of UVA Health. Thank you for your passion and partnership for helping to make UVA Health the best place to work.
Take care and be well,
Wendy