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 12th Annual BC Care Awards.
Louis Brier Home and Hospital
Louis Brier Home & Hospital & the Weinberg Residence embarked on a culture transformation that stands out for its depth, creativity, and intentionality. Guided by the CHAI (Caring, Health & Wellness, Accountability, and Integrity) values and rooted in Jewish heritage, the organization reimagined how staff connect, communicate, and lead across the 275-bed campus. What began as a commitment to transparency and shared ownership grew into a multifaceted cultural renewal, supported by innovative engagement channels such as on-demand all-staff meetings, Coffee with HR, Tap & Talk, Schwartz Rounds, and the Louis Brier Life podcast dedicated to Long Term Care. These efforts are complimented with initiatives like robust wellness programs, a multisensorial Wellness Room, and expanded digital platforms for communication like the LBHH app. With programs promoting holistic wellness and community connection among employees, they have fostered a collaborative, evidence-informed culture improving outcomes across all departments.
The outcomes have been both measurable and transformative. Staff engagement has surged, reflected in more than 300 recognitions in Louis Brier’s CHAI Honours program. There has also been record participation in wellness and education opportunities, and a dramatic rise in employee referrals, which now represent 45% of their new hires. Survey results show improvements in belonging, communication, safety, and access to materials. Turnover has decreased to 16%, and student and HCAP recruitment has expanded staffing capacity. This culture shift is unlike anything in Louis Brier Home and Hospital’s 78-year history: comprehensive, data-driven, and deeply rooted in care for the people who bring the organization to life. It reflects a workplace where staff feel seen, supported, and proud to contribute, and where residents benefit from an energized, skilled, and compassionate team.
Lake Country Lodge
Lake Country Lodge’s culture transformation stands out for its wholehearted focus on belonging, connection, and shared joy. Guided by Sienna’s mission of cultivating happiness in daily life, the team built a workplace culture rooted in policy and genuine relationships among residents, families, and staff. Meaningful appreciation events, such as HCA Day and Nursing Day, and active collaboration with the Family Council cultivated an environment where staff feel appreciated and valued. Among residents and families, initiatives like the Resident Gems Celebration, inclusive family engagement activities ,and creative team appreciation events strengthens the sense of community and reinforces the belief that Lake Country Lodge isn’t just a place to work, but a place to belong.
Because of this cultural work, their recent staff engagement survey reached 100% participation, with an outstanding overall score of 8.4 and a 9.1 rating in equality, exceeding expectations and demonstrating major progress in inclusion and wellness. Every team member also took part in the SOAR program: a service award initiative providing employees with company shares. Their efforts were further recognized through the Award for Program Excellence at their annual Leadership Conference. Beyond the data, Lake Country Lodge radiates warmth: families feel welcomed, staff feel appreciated, and residents feel connected through programs and acknowledgements that celebrate their everyday contributions. This transformation has created a vibrant, supportive, and joyful environment: one that truly embodies the spirit of Lake Country Lodge.
The Hamlets at Duncan
Overlooking the Somonos Marsh and situated on the traditional land of the Cowichan Tribes, The Hamlets at Duncan has experienced a profound shift in how we work together and how we support those who call The Hamlets their home. Rather than relying on large, complex initiatives, their culture was rebuilt through simple, human-centered practices. This began with how staff spoke to each other, how appreciation is shown, and how they can show up for each other every day. Daily huddles, consistent expectations, and coaching at the point of care help contribute to building a supportive work culture. Leaders became more present and responsive, focusing on clearing obstacles and solving issues so that staff can focus on residents. Alongside this, meaningful recognition programs like their Shining Star program lifts spirits of the staff and reinforced values that the organization holds dear. This steady, relationship focused approach has brought warmth, clarity, and stability back into the home, strengthening the sense of community that guides everything they do.
Through thoughtful action planning and reporting, overall employee satisfaction rose dramatically from 35% in 2023 to 73% in 2025. This reflects real progress in communication, teamwork, and trust in leadership. Staff now report a clearer understanding of expectations, a stronger sense of purpose, and a renewed confidence in the support they receive day-to-day. Collaboration across departments has become natural rather than forced, turnover has steadied, and agency reliance has decreased. Families and residents feel these changes too, noting a more positive atmosphere and greater consistency in care. What makes this transformation stand out is its authenticity: it grew from everyday behaviors that honor dignity, respect, and connection. The Hamlets at Duncan’s spirit shines through every interaction. It has transformed in a home where people want to work, play, and feel proud to belong in.
German-Canadian Care Home
Based in South Vancouver, the German-Canadian Care Home is a care home rooted in the mission of providing quality support for the aging and building a community connected to their German and European culture. The guiding principle to providing quality care is the Comfortzeit® Concept of Care: an initiative that transformed care delivery and workplace culture through a principled, person-centered framework. Resident comfort is a key criterion in all decision making: staffing, equipment, operational processes, and the environment. This initiative has been co-designed with staff and brought to life through experiential training, reflective practice, and mentorship. Tools such as the seven domains of well-being assessment and the Comfortzeit® Torchbearer Award empower staff, reinforce desired behaviors, and cultivate a compassionate, therapeutic atmosphere where residents and team members feel valued and supported.
Through this initiative, staff reported higher job satisfaction, reduced moral distress, and a stronger connection to the organization’s guiding principals. Collaboration across departments has become more natural and resident focused. Residents benefit from improved physical functioning, increased emotional stability, and a deeper sense of home. Comfortzeit® has become the identity of the home: strengthening retention, teamwork, and morale, and creating a vibrant, inclusive environment grounded in cultural richness and genuine care. This model has elevated both workplace culture and resident experience, making the home a standout leader in long-term care excellence.
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Click here to register for the 12th Annual BC Care Awards ceremony.
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
