Emplify Health has earned a gold-level certification as a Family Friendly Workplace, recognizing the organization's strong commitment to employee well-being and life balance. The certification follows a comprehensive evaluation of workplace policies including flexible work options, parental leave, healthcare benefits, and family-centered support programs.
"At Emplify Health, we recognize that supporting a healthy life balance is critical to our employees' well-being and long-term success," said Scott Rathgaber, MD, CEO of Emplify Health. "This certification reinforces our commitment to fostering a workplace where our team can thrive both professionally and personally. When our employees feel supported, our entire community is stronger."
The certification matters because Wisconsin faces a significant long-term workforce shortage that threatens the state's economic vibrancy. From now through 2050, Wisconsin's workforce is expected to shrink before stagnating, creating a human resources challenge that requires strategic responses from employers. Family Friendly Workplaces Executive Director Neil Kline emphasized that "Emplify Health is the latest employer to join this effort to address our workforce shortage. They were quick to recognize the importance of strategically engaging with this challenge, and of securing Wisconsin's future economic vibrancy."
As a certified employer, Emplify Health becomes the largest employer to receive this designation, joining 71 employers across Wisconsin that have been certified, covering over 24,000 employees and their families. The organization is now entitled to use the Family Friendly Workplaces logo in its talent attraction and retention efforts and gains access to additional program benefits. Emplify Health also makes an annual conduit contribution to nonprofit organizations that support families, selecting The Parenting Place in La Crosse and Encompass Early Education and Care in Green Bay this year.
The certification announcement was celebrated through simultaneous news conferences in La Crosse and Green Bay. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers attended the La Crosse event and delivered remarks recognizing Emplify Health's leadership and commitment to families. Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich participated in the Green Bay news conference. Kline noted that "In our conversations, Emplify Health was quick to recognize that supporting families not only strengthens their organization — it's also simply the right thing to do."
For employers across Wisconsin and beyond, this certification demonstrates how workplace policies that support family needs can serve as strategic tools for addressing workforce challenges while improving employee retention and satisfaction. The implications extend beyond individual organizations to broader economic stability, as family-friendly workplaces contribute to community strength and help mitigate workforce shortages. More information about the certification program is available at https://familyfriendlyworkplaces.org.
