Join us in celebrating exceptional organizations and workplaces in the sector! Below we highlight a handful of nominees for the 2024 Workplace of the Year Award, as part of the 11th Annual BC Care Awards.
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Good Samaritan Canada
Good Samaritan has transformed its workplace culture through initiatives that empower staff and foster inclusivity. Key strategies include tailored learning pathways, mentorship programs, cultural competency training, and an Indigenous Advisory Group. These efforts emphasize collaboration, respect, and equity, creating a supportive environment where every employee is valued. Dynamic recognition programs and employee-driven strategies further drive positive cultural change.
The results yield an 89% completion rate for cultural competency training, a 75% positive sentiment score in our engagement survey, and the formation of an Indigenous Advisory Group, all of which highlight significant progress. Their updated vision, “Being and belonging – every person, every home,” reflects their deep commitment to inclusivity.
Good Samaritan’s focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation (EDI&R) sets them apart. Through innovative practices, continuous feedback, and recognition, they have built a workplace that fosters respect, unity, and growth, a transformation that has made Good Samaritan a model of inclusive care.
Langley Care Society
Langley Lodge lives by their values of care, innovation, respect, integrity and partnership, working with staff, residents and community to demonstrate its commitment. Its Journey to Excellence initiative has significantly transformed its workplace culture, fostering a respectful, trusting, and supportive environment. Through interactive and team-building sessions, frontline staff had the opportunity to engage directly with managers, directors, and the CEO to discuss concerns, share successes, and provide input on organizational changes. These sessions were designed not only to promote open dialogue but also to ensure that all voices were heard, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration.
What sets Langley Lodge’s workplace culture apart is the depth of engagement in the Journey to Excellence sessions. Unlike brief town halls, these 2–3-hour sessions allowed management to engage with staff on a more personal level. Topics like employee appreciation, wellness initiatives, and the celebration of key performance indicators were discussed in detail, giving staff a voice in shaping the organization’s culture and policies. This collaborative approach has empowered staff, improved communication, and strengthened the sense of ownership and pride in the work being done.
Langley Lodge deserves this award for its resilience, particularly in overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic. The organization worked tirelessly to improve care quality, innovate with new technologies, and engage with the community. Initiatives like the Senior Peer Outreach program, in-house companion program, and the use of Sleepsense technology demonstrate Langley Lodge’s commitment to innovation, teamwork, and providing exceptional care to its residents.
Laurel Place Care Centre
Under the leadership of Site Leader Liezel Hippsley, Laurel Place has undergone a significant cultural transformation since Park Place Seniors Living assumed ownership in 2019. Recognizing the need for change, Liezel, with 25 years of nursing experience, embraced the Eden Philosophy of Care to foster a more inclusive and collaborative environment. The focus was on integrating Laurel Place’s naturally diverse population, ensuring that everyone—staff and residents alike—felt valued, respected, and empowered to contribute. This shift has resulted in improved communication, stronger teamwork, and a sense of belonging throughout the organization.
The impact of this cultural shift is evident in the organization’s impressive staff satisfaction scores. Since 2022, staff satisfaction has increased by 5%, reaching an “outstanding” rating in 2024. The survey also revealed that 100% of respondents feel part of a community at work, and 96.6% of residents and families feel they can express opinions without fear of repercussions. Employees have praised the improved teamwork, growth opportunities, and sense of family at Laurel Place, contributing to higher retention rates.
What sets Laurel Place apart is its proactive and ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity. The organization fosters an open and welcoming environment through various strategies, such as introducing new employees to the management team, celebrating cultural holidays, and hosting quarterly welcome teas. Additionally, initiatives like Respectful Workplace training and the Champion Programs, which empower frontline staff to lead education sessions, further demonstrate the commitment to inclusivity and professional growth. These efforts have not only improved the workplace culture but have also contributed to Laurel Place’s success in participating in important pilot projects and gaining recognition for its inclusive practices.
This inclusive culture has fostered high employee engagement, a stronger sense of community, and improved care delivery. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, Laurel Place has set a high standard for creating a supportive and thriving workplace.
Spring Valley Care Center
Spring Valley Care Center fosters a positive and inviting workplace environment where employees thrive and progress. The team enjoys a collaborative atmosphere, making it easy to approach management and feel comfortable in their roles. This welcoming culture not only promotes staff retention but also encourages staff to advance within the organization, with many progressing from care aid to nurse or from nurse to management. Spring Valley’s culture is inclusive, fostering strong friendships among staff that extend beyond the workplace.
The management team goes above and beyond to ensure staff feel secure and valued, contributing to a sense of happiness and pride in their work. Staff members consistently report feeling comfortable and appreciated, making Spring Valley a place where employees are excited to come to work every day. It has also seen significant improvements over time, driven by the team’s dedication to creating a well-organized and progressive environment. With its friendly, calm, and inviting atmosphere, Spring Valley continues to be a thriving workplace where both staff and residents benefit from a supportive and evolving culture.
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
