Building people, culture and connection at WA Cares
The team ensuring WA Cares is built on strong systems, inclusive culture and lasting support.
As WA Cares continues to prepare for statewide benefits launch, one team works quietly but powerfully behind the scenes to ensure every team member is well positioned for success. The Organizational Development team’s work includes, but is not limited to onboarding processes, EDAI initiatives, training and curriculum, process improvement , change management and talent development strategies.
Senior Organizational Development Manager, Sheryl describes it best “Our priorities are to ensure every employee feels connected, informed, trusted and valued.” From designing orientation programs to supporting supervisors, developing training pathways and building human-centered processes, organizational development touches every WA Cares team member’s experience.
The team’s sense of meaning echoes throughout. Many team members say they choose WA Cares because the program’s mission goes far beyond daily tasks. Training Unit Manager, Rayleen, says “I am proud to work at WA Cares because our efforts extend beyond the present, we’re building lasting systems that strengthen our communities for generations.”
The team’s administrative assistant, Juliana, describes the opportunity to build something new “we have no templates to follow, it’s exciting to build something from the ground up that will benefit Washington residents and set a framework for other states.”
Their work touches every part of the employee experience. One of the team’s most impactful projects this year has been the redesign and expansion of the new employee orientation. The goal was to not only welcome new employees but create consistent standards and shared understanding across our growing program.
On the systems side, Process Improvement Specialist, Ben, focuses on creating structures that will help WA Cares operate smoothly for years to come. He sees every challenge as an opportunity to create more clarity, consistency and efficiency explaining, “Helping designing systems that work well for people is an enjoyable challenge”.
Organizational Readiness Manager, Shawna, describes her work as both meaningful and energizing. “Your earned benefit will make a big difference in countless lives. To be a part of its creation and impact on the well-being of others is truly a gift. I've been tasked with building systems that ensure we are meeting non-negotiable timelines and tracking the hiring and onboarding of hundreds of new team members, work that many rely on, which would be impossible without trust”.
Together the Organizational Development team is shaping the internal backbone of WA Cares. Their work may not always be visible, but the impact is felt in every team member who is welcomed, trained, supported and empowered to contribute. With a shared commitment to people and purpose, their team is ensuring the program not only launches effectively but grows into a program that can serve Washington residents for generations.