As the largest healthcare provider in New York, Northwell Health faced a monumental challenge: how to keep over 80,000 employees—many of them frontline workers—engaged and informed in real-time. Traditional communication tools like email and print materials were ineffective for a workforce constantly on the move.
The solution? A mobile app that would revolutionize internal communication. This case study explores how the app revolutionized Northwell’s approach, creating a more engaged and informed workforce.
As New York’s largest healthcare provider, Northwell Health faces the unique challenge of keeping its 80,000+ employees connected and informed, especially with a vast number of frontline workers. Prior to launching their mobile app, myNorthwell, the company relied on a combination of tools, each with its own set of challenges:
To continue delivering world-class healthcare, Northwell Health knew it needed a more efficient, streamlined, and accessible communication tool—one that would meet the needs of its evolving, mobile-centric workforce.
Northwell Health turned the challenge of engaging a diverse workforce into an opportunity for innovation. After an extensive search, the organization selected theEMPLOYEEapp as the foundation for its new mobile-first communications strategy, branded as myNorthwell.
With the app, Northwell Health created a seamless communication experience that catered to the needs of employees across all functions, particularly those on the front lines. The app allowed the organization to:
Northwell employees quickly embraced the myNorthwell app. Here’s what they had to say:
“Definitely a huge time-saver to have everything I need in one place and available any time through the app.”
“Innovative thinking combined with common-sense communication for mobile employees. The Northwell employee portal integration makes everything seamless.”
“Great app. I don’t need a PC any longer to access the Northwell intranet or any other tools. I am encouraging everyone to download it.”
In just three months, Northwell Health saw impressive results with myNorthwell:
By shifting its communication strategy to mobile, Northwell Health was able to engage employees more effectively than ever before. The app not only saved time but also provided critical insights through analytics, enabling employees to have seamless access to the Northwell employee intranet allowing for a unified experience across devices.
The enhanced connection to the Northwell intranet helped streamline workflows and improved overall employee communication.
From this large-scale rollout, a few insights stand out that others adopting internal communications platforms should note:
• Phased adoption is key — starting with pilot groups helps refine UX, messaging formats, and integrations before full launch.
• Executive advocacy increases visibility — when leaders use and reference the app, adoption accelerates.
• Integrate with existing systems — Northwell’s integration with HR/self‑service and wellness tools created a seamless experience for users.
• Monitor analytics early and often — tracking usage, page views, and module visits allowed iterative improvements and reinforced ROI internally.
• Communicate change proactively — with a merger and expansion context, frequent updates helped reduce resistance or confusion.
• Localize content for segments — tailoring content by hospital or department boosted relevance and employee engagement.
These practices contributed to scalability, engagement, and sustainability of the communications initiative at Northwell.
As of 2025, Northwell Health is undergoing a period of significant expansion and transformation, which offers powerful context for why robust internal communications matter now more than ever.
• Merger with Nuvance Health: In early 2025, Northwell Health merged with Nuvance Health, expanding its system to 28 hospitals across New York and Connecticut and growing its employee base to over 104,000.
• Digital modernization initiatives: Northwell has selected Epic as its next generation electronic health record (EHR) platform to unify patient and team member systems starting in 2025.
• Innovation and employee programs: The organization is investing in internal innovation — awarding $1.3 million in 2025 to employee-led healthcare innovation projects.
• Employee wellness & engagement: Northwell continues to promote well‑being programs (e.g. movement challenges, wellness resources) to maintain strong morale across an expansive workforce.
Against this backdrop, a mobile-first communications platform like the one in this case study plays a critical role in aligning employees, scaling message reach, and supporting change at enterprise scale.
Northwell Health is the largest healthcare provider and private employer in New York, serving millions of patients annually across the state. With a network of 21 hospitals, over 450 physician practices, and an extensive array of outpatient facilities, Northwell offers comprehensive healthcare services ranging from primary care to advanced specialty care.
The organization is deeply committed to medical research and education, featuring the prestigious Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, as well as the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. Their innovative approaches to patient care, research, and community wellness have made them a leader in the healthcare industry.
Learn more at northwell.edu.
Interested in learning more about how theEMPLOYEEapp can help strengthen communications at your organization? Schedule an online demo today.
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