GREENSBORO, N.C.-- Cone Health's minimum wage is moving from $12 an hour to $13 an hour next month. It impacts about 1,600 employees.
- Cone Health's minimum wage, or living wage, is increasing.
- The raise to $13 an hour takes effect February 3.
- Cone Health says the next year, the living wage will rise again to $14 an hour, followed by $15 an hour in the following year or two.
"The folks who are going to receive the increase are folks who work in important areas of our healthcare organization,” said Cone Health’s executive vice president of people and culture, Mandy Eaton. “Nurse techs -- which are certified nursing assistants, housekeeping and environmental services, folks who work in our dining services department, and some of our administrative and clerical folks."
Eaton said the move to better pay is a sign of the organization's care for its employees. The provider also expects it to benefit the hospital and patients.
"The market is tough for us,” Eaton explained. “We are constantly recruiting for the best talent out there. And in order to do that, we have to stay competitive. Our goal with the living wage is to move to 15 dollars over the next couple years."
That's something employees like Deanna Woods are glad to hear.
"It will affect my family very well. I was excited when I got it,” Woods said.
The nurse tech has a lot on her plate.
"I'm in school full-time and working,” Woods said. “So it will help me out a whole lot."
She said the higher wage motivates her and her coworkers.
The raise to $13 an hour takes effect February 3.
Cone Health says the next year, the living wage will rise again to $14 an hour, followed by $15 an hour in the following year or two.