3 Healthcare Systems That Tied Financial Benefits to Staff Morale—And Won

In today’s labor-constrained healthcare environment, it’s not enough to offer competitive salaries and standard benefits. Staff morale—especially among younger and entry-level employees—is increasingly tied to financial wellness. For mission-driven hospital systems, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

The question is: Can financial support benefits, like student loan assistance, actually boost morale and retention?

The answer, based on real-world results, is a resounding yes. Here’s how three leading health systems—Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), and ESSC California—used strategic financial benefits to improve staff sentiment, reduce burnout, and build lasting loyalty.
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1. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

Staff Empowerment, Loyalty, and Life-Changing Financial Relief

CHOP took a bold step in aligning their mission to care for children with a benefit that cares for the people providing that care. By partnering with PeopleJoy to offer student loan forgiveness support through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, CHOP is actively relieving financial stress for its employees.

“With the support of PeopleJoy, this team member had $60,000 in student loan debt forgiven—and even received $2,000 back due to overpayment.”

Beyond debt relief, this employee is now on the path to homeownership—a milestone directly enabled by her employer’s investment in her financial well-being. This kind of empowerment does more than reduce burnout—it creates loyalty.

When financial freedom becomes possible, morale follows. CHOP’s investment in people demonstrates trust, care, and commitment—three ingredients for long-term workforce stability.
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2. University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS)

Improved Morale, Engagement, and Workforce Storytelling

UPHS has cultivated a reputation for putting its people first—and employees are noticing. At the 2025 UPHS Benefits Fair, PeopleJoy heard from numerous staff members who achieved student loan forgiveness through their employer’s benefit offering.

One standout story:

“Tyra faced doubt and uncertainty, but her journey to financial freedom was brightened by the support from PeopleJoy and UPHS.”

Another employee, shared how UPHS’ benefits are helping her achieve lifestyle success, from financial planning to future dreams. And Patricia? Her loan forgiveness became a reality in just one year.

Employee testimonials are powerful proof points. Morale isn’t built with posters—it’s built through real outcomes. By tying benefits to life-changing results, UPHS fosters pride, gratitude, and stronger workplace engagement.
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3. ESSC California (Easterseals Southern California)

Retention and Cultural Alignment in a Nonprofit Setting

ESSC California supports individuals with developmental disabilities—a mission-driven space where employee passion runs deep. But passion alone doesn’t shield staff from financial stress.

Recognizing this, ESSC partnered with PeopleJoy to provide comprehensive student loan guidance and PSLF support. The result? Staff members who feel seen, supported, and financially empowered.

For nonprofit providers, employee morale is closely tied to alignment between values and reality. When ESSC invests in its team’s financial wellness, it’s not just offering a perk—it’s affirming the value of their service.
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The Bottom Line: Financial Wellness Drives Emotional Well-Being

For CFOs weighing every line item against retention goals, these stories offer a compelling truth: When healthcare systems invest in financial relief, they see measurable gains in morale, engagement, and long-term loyalty.

This isn’t theory—it’s happening now in hospitals like yours. And thanks to PeopleJoy’s turnkey, low-lift platform, the implementation burden is minimal while the upside is transformational.

Interested in learning how your team can benefit from a morale-boosting financial wellness strategy?

Let’s talk.
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