For a second year, BC Care Providers Association is excited to celebrate extraordinary organizations in the sector through the Workplace of the Year Award. In this post, we highlight four on this year’s nominees who has demonstrated staff engagement, recognition and significant change in workplace culture.
***
Amica Lions Gate
Amica Lions Gate demonstrates unwavering commitment to excellence in both resident care and workplace culture. The site goes beyond providing basic services by creating a warm, nurturing environment where residents are treated like family. The personalized care plans and meaningful activities are tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of each resident, promoting a sense of independence, dignity, and well-being. Staff members are highly trained, compassionate, and dedicated, fostering strong, trusting relationships with both residents and their families.
In terms of workplace culture, the residence’s emphasis on Team Member development and satisfaction has cultivated a positive workplace culture, where employees feel valued and supported. This strong foundation not only enhances the quality of care but also ensures that the community thrives as a whole.
With its holistic approach to care, respect for individuality, and commitment to continuous improvement, Amica Lions Gate sets a high standard for what a seniors living environment can and should be.
Big Hearts Home Care
Big Hearts Home Healthcare has transformed its workplace culture by fostering compassion, collaboration, and continuous growth. This initiative focused on emotional and professional development, with leadership actively listening to staff and empowering them to shape the culture. By prioritizing empathy and mutual respect, the organization not only enhanced staff satisfaction but also improved client care. A client-centered approach enabled caregivers to build personal connections, tailoring care to individual preferences and stories, while training programs increased participation by 70%, helping staff excel in specialized areas. Recognition programs further strengthened team morale, creating an environment where every contribution is valued.
This transformation stands out for its depth and impact. The inclusive approach empowered employees at all levels to contribute ideas and feedback, fostering a culture of shared purpose. Leadership’s dedication, especially during emotional moments like supporting families in end-of-life care, has cultivated a resilient, engaged workforce that goes beyond meeting client needs. Big Hearts Home Healthcare exemplifies excellence in care, creating meaningful connections and delivering personalized, heartfelt support that clients and families truly appreciate.
Cascade Gardens Seniors Community
Cascade Gardens has transformed its workplace culture by fostering resilience, compassion, and community, particularly in the face of challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through consistent leadership, strong infection control protocols, and staff support, the home rebuilt trust and morale, ensuring high-quality care for residents. Initiatives such as daily huddles, recognition programs, and continuous staff education created a collaborative environment where employees felt valued and empowered. The Worklife Pulse Tool Survey in 2022 confirmed these efforts, with Cascade Gardens exceeding Canadian averages in all categories, from job satisfaction to safety, highlighting its commitment to employee well-being and engagement.
Leadership plays an important role in Cascade Gardens’ success – it fosters a family-like atmosphere through empathetic leadership and professional development opportunities. Themed lunches, cultural celebrations, daily chai tea breaks, and flexible scheduling enhance team connections and morale. Cascade Gardens’ low-risk ratings from Fraser Health Authority and positive feedback from satisfaction surveys reflect its dedication to excellence.
Chartwell Crescent Gardens
Crescent Gardens has achieved a remarkable transformation in workplace culture by prioritizing inclusivity, recognition, and collaboration. Starting with efforts to restore trust between staff and management, the team introduced an open-door policy and focused on addressing staffing challenges in early 2021. Initiatives like celebrating cultural diversity, creating a diversity map, and featuring a “wall of team” showcasing staff bios fostered connection and pride among employees. Programs like the Butterfly Program for peer recognition, the Inspire Program for exceptional efforts, and the Employee Ambassador initiative for new hires further reinforced a supportive and engaging work environment.
These efforts have notably yielded measurable results. Employee satisfaction has risen significantly, from 32% in 2021 to 63% in 2024. Staff retention remained strong even during the challenges of COVID-19, and many employees have referred family members to join the team, with mothers, daughters, and siblings working together across departments. Positive Google reviews frequently mention long-term employees by name, highlighting their exceptional care and alignment with Crescent Gardens’ values. Additionally, long service awards and partnerships with local schools have solidified Crescent Gardens as a workplace that fosters growth, loyalty, and excellence.
Crescent Gardens fosters a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and connected. The team embodies the philosophy that “we rise by lifting others up,” resulting in a second-home atmosphere where staff thrive, residents receive outstanding care, and new hires experience the “Chartwell difference.” This cultural transformation, made possible through teamwork and dedication, shows Crescent Gardens’ commitment to its people and mission.
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
