In a healthcare industry where innovation and compassion intersect, true progress is rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH), serving the northern suburbs of Boston, has redefined what it means to champion these values. With the support of HWL, BILH’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) program is not just a checkbox; it’s an impactful initiative that integrates diverse suppliers into the very fabric of its operations, driving forward a new era of inclusivity in healthcare.
What is the DBE Program?
Central to this commitment is BILH’s DBE program, which focuses on integrating Diverse Business Enterprises —suppliers from various diversity categories, including woman-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, and more—into their supply chain. These businesses are crucial not only for meeting diversity spend targets but also for enriching the supplier ecosystem with unique perspectives and capabilities that can drive innovation and improve patient care.
Despite the clear benefits, integrating DBE suppliers into a healthcare system like BILH's is not without challenges. Operational limitations, diverse regulatory frameworks, and the need for specialized support can make the process complex. Recognizing these snags, HWL has stepped in to provide tailored support, training, and strategic coordination, ensuring that DBE suppliers are effectively integrated and positioned for success.
To overcome these challenges, BILH and HWL aimed to establish a streamlined and formalized qualification process for DBE suppliers. This included creating comprehensive surveys and offering certification guidance to expedite the integration of DBE suppliers into BILH’s healthcare staffing operations.
Key Strategic Measures for Enhancing the DBE Program
To address these challenges, HWL implemented several strategic measures to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the DBE program, including:
- Data Tracking: HWL tracks DBE versus non-DBE submissions and fill rates through regular reports, ensuring transparency and accountability in BILH’s supplier diversity efforts.
- Competitive Edge: DBE suppliers receive advance notice of job postings, allowing them to enhance their competitiveness and operational efficiency.
- Performance Evaluations: Ongoing performance evaluations against established benchmarks ensure that DBE suppliers maintain high standards of quality and compliance.
- Continuous Improvement: HWL fosters ongoing communication with DBE suppliers, identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring alignment with BILH’s operational needs.
Success Through Partnership: Surpassing DEI Goals
HWL’s strategic oversight and thorough data management have been implemental in helping BILH achieve and exceed its diversity spend goals. This partnership not only supports BILH’s operational requirements but also significantly progresses their broader DEI objectives through supplier diversity in healthcare. HWL’s approach has set a praiseworthy standard for promoting inclusive growth and opportunity within the healthcare sector and beyond. Kelsey Carlton, Account Manager for BILH, has played an integral role in supporting the DBE efforts and explains, “I am proud to highlight the success and growth of BILH's DBE program. In just a short time, their DBE program has significantly expanded, providing more opportunities and support to a growing number of businesses. This success is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved, and it reinforces the commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment in healthcare and business.”
As a result of HWL’s proactive approach, BILH has surpassed its DBE goals, achieving an impressive 29.4% DBE spend—well above their targeted 22% for the year. This accomplishment underscores the effectiveness of HWL’s workforce solutions in diversifying BILH’s supplier base and driving meaningful progress in DEI initiatives.
Advancing DEI Through Supplier Diversity
HWL is proud to support Beth Israel Lahey Health in advancing their DEI initiatives through the successful integration of diverse suppliers. By providing tailored workforce solutions, HWL ensures that healthcare organizations can achieve their diversity goals while improving operational efficiency. For more information on how HWL can help your organization enhance supplier diversity and drive meaningful progress, please reach out to our team today.