Having a say in your career and its future is important to you, right? Of course, it is. But what if you could take that a step further and have a true say in the direction your company was taking? It’s not just a pipe dream – nor must you start your own business or make a huge investment in another one to achieve this goal. Instead, you can become part of a member-owned healthcare employment co-operative, or co-op for short. This option gives you a voice in company decision-making and a real stake in the success of your career. It also opens the door to financial stability, work/life balance, job security, and a chance to contribute to the wealth and well-being of your local community.
What exactly is a co-op?
Healthcare employment co-operatives are values-driven businesses owned and controlled by their workers. In contrast to conventional companies, worker-members at co-ops participate in the profits, oversight, and management of their organization using democratic processes; namely, by voting.
• Co-op worker-members have representation in and vote for their company’s governing body, adhering to the principle of one worker, one vote. In essence, they own the business and participate in its financial success based on their own labor contribution to the co-op.
• Employee ownership supports not only the building of healthy companies but also healthy community development. It’s highly motivating and empowering for worker-members – who are essentially business owners – to share both wealth and democratic control and principles.
Why join a co-op?
Co-ops are the only form of business centered around membership. Because they are owned and run by their member-workers, they operate for their benefit. Member-workers own their jobs, so they decide how they are treated and how they want their business to run. The benefits, both to member-workers and their communities, include:
• Democratic control: Every co-op member-worker has an equal vote in business decisions, making for an inclusive and transparent management structure.
• Shared ownership and profit: Member-workers directly benefit from company profit-sharing, which can lead to higher overall earnings.
• Increased engagement: Because member-workers have a key stake in their company and its future, they tend to be more motivated, creative, and committed to the best possible patient care and outcomes.
• Skill development: As member-workers participate in company guidance, strategy and decision-making, they sharpen their communication, leadership and business management skills.
• Better work/life balance: Burnout is rampant in healthcare, which by its very nature is a 24/7 job. Co-ops prioritize worker well-being and job flexibility, for the benefit of everyone involved, to keep burnout at bay.
• Community development: Co-ops can contribute significantly to their local economies by reinvesting profits back into the community.
• Supporting meaningful change for underserved populations: As they work to build community wealth, co-ops also help more vulnerable workers to find meaningful jobs, build their skills and earning potential, and secure and build their income and assets.
To learn more about member- owned healthcare employment co-ops and explore dynamic career opportunities in nursing, therapy, allied health and more, contact AlliedUP Co-Operative, Inc. or submit your resume to get started, today.