Week of December 23, 2024
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
As the holiday season unfolds, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for each of you. The dedication and compassion you bring to our hospital every day makes such an impact on our patients, their families and our community.
This time of year is a reminder that we are all part of something greater than ourselves. Whether you’ll be spending the holidays with loved ones, volunteering or caring for our patients, I hope you find joy and meaning in the season.
To those of you who will be working through the holidays to ensure our hospital runs smoothly – thank you. I truly hope you all find some time over these next two weeks to relax and recharge.
From my family to yours, I wish you a holiday season filled with peace and love.
Happy holidays,
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
Emergency Savings Program Reminder
Dr. Boom announced in August that Houston Methodist will match your contributions via payroll deductions up to $250 (net) into the Fidelity Goal Booster Program. In November, Dr. Boom also announced that you will receive an additional $100 for opening your account.
- You must elect contributions by December 26 and have deductions taken out by January 2. 2025, to receive Houston Methodist's match in January 2025.
- You already have access to Goal Booster.
- Log in using your existing NetBenefits credentials.
- Click here to learn more.
Growing & Developing in 2025
How do you want to grow and develop in 2025? The HMSL Clinical Education Department and the System Critical Courses Sub-Committee would like all employees and leaders to participate in a survey. The results of this survey will communicate what you are interested in learning. The survey will close out Tuesday, December 31. Click here to take the survey.
2025 Payroll Periods
The 2025 payroll periods have been posted. All paydays will be Thursday except for two due to holidays: June 18 is a Wednesday and December 31 is a Wednesday. There will be three paydays in January, July and December. View the payroll schedule here.
2025 Holiday Schedule
Houston Methodist will observe nine holidays in 2025. When Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Thursday, the Friday after each of these holidays will be awarded as an additional holiday. Review the holiday schedule here. All eligible employees will also have a DEI Personal Day.
CELEBRATING OUR EMPLOYEES
HMSL ICU Coffee Bar
Celebrating our employees is something all leaders love to do at HMSL, and recently the HMSL Music Therapists treated our employees in the Brazos & Main ICUs. They played music for employees while they enjoyed iced coffee. The event was hosted as a thank you for all that our ICU teams do for our patients and their families.
Childbirth Center Waffles
The Childbirth Center is in the holiday spirit. Last week, the leaders from the Childbirth Center hosted a waffle breakfast for their staff. CEO Michael Garcia and CMO/CQO Dr. Jeffrey Wood joined the group as they enjoyed a delicious treat. Remember to post your holiday pictures on CEO Corner on Facebook.
Blanket Donation to HMSL's NICU
The HMSL NICU has several new blankets thanks to a generous donation. The Friendship Community Bible Church Women's Ministry came together to drop off dozens of blankets to our Childbirth Center team. A huge thank you!
Stuffed Animal Donation to HMSL & Sienna EDs
Did you ever go to the hospital as a kid? It can be a scary and intimidating place, and a stuffed animal can make a world of difference. Recently, our HMSL ED and Sienna ED reached out to Michelle Smith with our Childbirth Center for help securing stuffed animals for the children seen in our EDs. Thanks to Michelle, she was able to work with The House of Charity for 350 stuffed animals. Thank you Michelle!
Review Your Benefits Confirmation Statement
If you enrolled in benefits this year, you should have received a confirmation statement on December 17 from a system-generated email address from MARS. Please take a few moments to review your statement, including your cost summary and verify that your elections are accurate. If you have any questions, contact the HR Hub at 832.667.6211 or hrhub@houstonmethodist.org.
Unlock the Power of Search on The HUB
Did you know you can use The Hub’s search bar to search not only topics, but people? Simply type in your co-workers' names to find their profile, and you’ll see their title, location, email address and phone number.
Here’s how to make the most of The Hub’s search features when searching for employees or physicians:
- Use the orange “Directory” button on the homepage to find employees.
- Look up employees in LMS by clicking the light blue “Organization Chart” button on the homepage.
- Visit the Physician Directory on the Tools & Resources page to search for providers by specialty or last name.
We’re constantly improving search functionality by analyzing what employees are searching for. The more you use it, the better it gets.
Quality Time Newsletter with Dr. Shlomit Schaal
Check out the December issue of Quality Time newsletter with Dr. Shlomit Schaal by clicking here.
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, December 25: Christmas holiday
Thursday, December 26: Deadline to open/deposit to Fidelity account to get $100 and up to $250 match
Tuesday, December 31: Last day to take 2025 Education Needs Assessment. Take survey here.
Wednesday, January 1: New Year's Day holiday
Wednesday, January 15: Last day to use $100 Celebrating You DoorDash credit
Monday, January 20: 2025 MLK Day Celebration
Tuesday, January 31: I CARE Award nominations due
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Wednesday, December 25: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Monday, December 23: @ Charlotte Hornets
Thursday, December 26: @ New Orleans Pelicans
Friday, December 27: vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Sunday, December 29: vs. Miami Heat
Thursday, December 26: Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Toyota Center
Sunday, December 29: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet, Smart Financial Centre
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."
- Hamilton Wright Mabie
Join The HMSL-CEO Corner Facebook Page
If you are an HMSL employee, you can join the employee-only Facebook page. Join us as we celebrate promotions, graduations, hospital events and more! Click here to join the fun.