Abstract
Why Human Resource?
Embedding organizational purpose
Achieving operational alignment
Human Resource’s new agenda
Embedding organizational purpose
Research has shown that purpose-driven organizations have consistently outperformed the S&P 500 by as much as 14:1. It also demonstrates that corporate purpose is the single most powerful tool for improving both top- and bottom-line growth. Despite the remarkable evidence that the purpose matters, a majority of organizations struggle to define and communicate purpose. Most companies cannot clearly articulate why they exist and why their employees see their paychecks as the main reason for working with the organization. Clearly, this failure to capitalize on what purpose alignment can do for an organization represents an enormous lost opportunity. DaVita is different. When you walk through the hallways of DaVita’s offices or facilities, read about the organization or attend any meeting at the company, you find constant reminders of its purpose – “giving life” – an aim that inspired the teammate-chosen name DaVita, drawn from an Italian phrase. DaVita’s purpose is everywhere for everybody to see: pictures and letters of patients posted on the walls; patients and teammates telling their personal stories at meetings; readings of patient, teammate and family letters; and frequent tears of compassion shed for tales of strength, survivorship and loss. DaVita’s purpose is clear, unequivocal and embraced fully by everybody who works for the organization. In fact, teammates are not shy about telling others that if you are not 100 per cent in (Head, Heart and Hands – one of the company’s mantras), DaVita is not the place for you. This commitment drives deep care and attention to the quality of patient care and the connection to other teammates in the Village. This passionate connection to the organization’s purpose attracts patients and talent to the business, accelerating company growth.