enabling innovation at hmsa

In many organizations, innovation often comes from the top down. Executives create new ideas and direct their employees to implement a product or service. But at HMSA, innovation also comes from employees.

 HMSA’s Innovation Center is an employee-led initiative that enables employees to collaborate on solutions. For example, employees at the center worked on a project that’s helped asthma patients to better manage their condition. Another project has helped employers create a workplace well-being program for their employees.  

“The center empowers HMSA employees to work on projects outside their daily duties that align with our organization’s values and purpose to improve the health and well-being of Hawaii,” says Doug Jeffs, the center’s senior manager.

The number of employees actively participating in innovation has almost doubled since the center was started 10 years ago. “It’s contributed to a work culture where employees want to come to work and are excited and interested in what they do,” he says. “And that ultimately means a better experience for our members.”