Advocate Health pledges $1.24B for worker pay, benefits

ATRIUM HEALTH

Charlotte-based Advocate Health, which includes Atrium Health, has pledged an additional $1.24 billion in worker compensation and benefits starting in 2027.

Charlotte-based Advocate Health is committing more than $1 billion in additional workforce compensation and benefits in 2027.

The healthcare company announced $1.24 billion in staff investments, with $846 million more in compensation linked to a starting minimum wage of $20 per hour – $1.15 more than the current rate – and another $390 million in benefits. Advocate will also provide four weeks of paid parental bonding leave and cover most healthcare costs for employees and their families. 

“The most important investment we make isn’t in buildings, technology or equipment. It’s in our people,” Advocate Health CEO Gene Woods said in a statement. “Healthcare is a 24/7 calling and every single day our 170,000 teammates bring extraordinary skill, compassion and commitment to the patients and communities we serve. Their dedication is what brings our purpose to life for the millions of people who count on us each year.”  

The previous starting wage of $18.85 per hour was established in 2026. With the $20 per hour standard, workers will earn $26,520 more annually than the federal minimum wage over a 40-hour workweek.

Advocate already pays roughly 83% of employee medical costs, with workers responsible for premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. For 2027, Advocate Health will invest an additional $138 million, absorbing more than 90% of the projected $149 million increase in medical plan costs. 

The improved compensation, which includes merit increases, incentives, pay-range updates and other investments, are expected to impact about 40,000 patient-facing employees across Advocate Health’s network, which includes Atrium Health. The company’s total benefits commitment is now $3.2 billion.

“The benefits that matter most are the ones that make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Nakesha Lopez, Advocate’s senior executive vice president and chief people and culture officer f. “We want our benefits to reflect what teammates need at different stages of their lives, while keeping affordability at the forefront and providing meaningful support for their health, families and financial futures.”

Next year’s benefits will include:

• Extended fully paid parental bonding leave to four weeks with support before, during and after leave, including individualized guidance, lactation resources, childcare planning and parenting support through the child’s first year. If both parents work for Advocate Health, each receives the full benefit.

• Expanded paid bereavement leave with five paid days and more covered relationships.

• Continued access to GLP-1 medications for weight loss with added guidance and resources.

• Retirement contributions of up to 6% of eligible pay. Advocate Health contributes up to 6% of eligible pay: a dollar-for-dollar match up to 3%, plus an additional 3% automatically. 

• No-cost mental health support for employees and members of their households, including virtual therapy, coaching, self-guided well-being tools and family support resources.

• Education assistance covering more than 1,300 eligible programs, from high school diplomas and English-language learning to doctoral degrees. Eligible full-time employees can receive up to $5,250 a year and part-time teammates up to $2,625, with up to $7,500 a year for select nursing programs.

• A student loan repayment assistance program with lifetime support of up to $21,000 for eligible full-time workers and $10,500 for eligible part-time employees with qualifying federal or private student loans.

“We want teammates to be able to build long, fulfilling careers with us,” Lopez said. “That means creating opportunities to learn and grow, removing barriers that can get in the way, and opening more pathways into healthcare. When people can see a future for themselves here, they’re more likely to stay, grow and make a difference for the patients and communities we serve.”

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