BC Care Providers Association presents the final nominees for the 2024 Workplace of the Year Award. Stay tuned for the list of winners which will be announced in January 2025.
Sienna Senior Living
Sienna has made significant strides in transforming its workplace culture by focusing on team member engagement, ownership, and well-being. At the heart of this transformation is the Circle Approach to Care, which shifts the focus from merely providing care to creating joy for residents, with their happiness central to everything the team does. This approach, developed with input from team members, residents, and families, has fostered a culture of inclusion and purpose. Programs like Spot Awards and Sparkle Awards recognize those who exemplify these values, while the Sienna Ownership and Rewards (SOAR) program allows employees to share in the company’s success, deepening their commitment and sense of pride.
The results of these initiatives are reflected in Sienna’s impressive employee engagement scores. The company has seen a 23% increase in survey participation and an improvement in overall engagement from 7.0 to 7.9. These metrics highlight the company’s focus on creating a workplace where team members feel inspired and valued. Additionally, the SOAR program, established in 2021, has seen 85% of employees become shareholders, further strengthening their connection to the company’s mission and long-term success.
What sets Sienna apart is its commitment to continuous improvement, as evidenced by its SPARK innovation platform, where team members submit ideas that lead to tangible changes and rewards. This culture of creativity, coupled with professional development opportunities like Sienna Learning Bites, fosters both personal and professional growth. Furthermore, Sienna’s focus on work-life balance, through initiatives like six-week shift schedules and new models for frontline staff, enhances job satisfaction and retention.
Ultimately, Sienna’s workplace culture is a reflection of its core values—creating a sense of community, accountability, and care. With programs that support team member engagement, recognize contributions, and empower staff to shape the future, Sienna has built a thriving environment where both team members and residents flourish. This culture of pride, shared ownership, and commitment to excellence is the foundation of Sienna’s continued success.
SUCCESS Multi-Level Care Society
Through the “Voice of MLC” singing contest, SUCCESS Multi-Level Care Society experienced a remarkable demonstration of collaboration, innovation, and community spirit. The event brought together staff, leadership, residents, volunteers, families, and community partners to create a platform for seniors to showcase their talents. Residents practiced with enthusiasm, while staff members from various departments, including care, activities, food services, and administration, worked cohesively to ensure the event’s success. This effort reflected MLC’s core value of a person- and family-centered approach, creating a memorable experience that continues to resonate with both staff and residents.
The success of the event also had a lasting impact on workplace culture. It facilitated open communication and teamwork across departments, empowering staff members to come together for the benefit of the residents. By involving all levels of the organization, including leadership, volunteers, and community partners, the event fostered a sense of pride and accomplishment. The “Voice of MLC” gave seniors a platform to express themselves and feel seen, challenging the typical perception of aging, and allowing residents to show their vibrancy and talent. This effort helped strengthen connections among colleagues, boosted morale, and reinforced a culture of respect, inclusion, and mutual support.
The “Voice of MLC” not only provided an outlet for seniors to showcase their talents but also highlighted the importance of giving them a voice and a platform to be heard. It exemplifies the organization’s vision of serving seniors like family, and the continued recognition and support from the community stand as a testament to the impact of this initiative on both the individuals involved and the broader community.
The Hamlets at Penticton and Optima Living Community
The culture change at The Hamlets at Penticton stands out due to the team’s collaborative, resident-focused approach, which fostered a positive workplace culture. By prioritizing residents and open communication, team members embraced “The Optima Way,” creating a supportive and empowering environment. Leadership played a key role by listening to both staff and residents, ensuring everyone felt heard, which shifted the focus from tasks to resident-centered care. This change inspired team members to take pride in their work and reinforced a culture of collaboration.
The success of this culture change is reflected in improved outcomes. With 95% of team members participating in ongoing training, they feel more confident and engaged in their roles. The leadership team’s commitment to transparency and communication has led to higher satisfaction levels, with a +7 percentage point increase in employee engagement from 2023 to 2024. Notably, communication scores improved by +33 percentage points, highlighting the positive impact of open dialogue.
What makes this improvement stand out is the leadership team’s proactive efforts to overcome past challenges. Despite previous instability, they focused on trust-building and open communication, empowering staff to engage in shaping the home’s culture. This has led to increased creativity, better care delivery, and enhanced satisfaction for both residents and staff.
The Hamlets is dedicated to maintaining a positive, sustainable culture. The team’s collaboration, respect, and inclusivity have created an environment where both residents and staff thrive. Leadership continues to drive improvements, ensuring the home remains a place where staff take pride in their work and residents feel at home, setting a high standard for care and workplace culture.
Trillium West Shore Village
West Shore Village has undergone a remarkable transformation, moving from the challenges of the pandemic and the addition of new suites to a vibrant, welcoming community. The atmosphere is now alive and fun, with everyone—family, visitors, contractors, and care workers—treated like family. The team’s warmth and hospitality have earned numerous accolades, and staff members pitch in across departments to ensure everything runs smoothly, creating a supportive environment.
Evidence of improvement is reflected in the positive feedback from residents and staff. Many residents have referred friends and family to move into the community, while staff have recommended it as an employer of choice. This speaks to the strong, positive workplace and resident culture. The culture of servant leadership and respect is evident in the way staff care for both the residents and each other.
What makes this improvement stand out is the contagious positive energy within the home. Laughter and music fill the air, and the residents and staff inspire each other. A notable example is when staff and residents raised over $7,000 for Victoria Hospice in just two weeks, showcasing their dedication to giving back. Staff even perform for residents if entertainers are unavailable, and they actively engage with the community, building partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
West Shore Village fosters an exceptional culture of respect and care. The team—both professional and down-to-earth—genuinely cares for the residents and each other, creating strong bonds that extend beyond the workplace. Over the past three years, the transformation has been extraordinary, and West Shore Village is truly deserving of recognition for its success.
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
