When choosing a senior living community, you’re probably focused on the essentials – services, amenities, apartment options and social opportunities. Those are important.
But pay attention to the staff.
The people who work in independent living communities set the tone – in how they greet residents at breakfast, keep residents engaged and help create a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
Employees have a direct impact on residents’ daily experiences. That’s why Holiday makes sure its employees are satisfied, rewarded and encouraged to keep learning and growing.
Next time you visit a community, keep these tips in mind.
1. Talk to everyone. Listen closely. Observe.
Chat with everyone you can: managers, dining staff, housekeepers, maintenance. Ask what they like about working there. Their answers will provide insight into whether you’re looking at a community with quality, caring senior living staff or not.
Do employees seem genuinely engaged with residents? Are they smiling, helpful and patient? A warm “hello” and attentive service say a lot about workplace culture.
Chat with residents. If they rave about the staff, that’s an excellent sign. Here’s what one Holiday resident thinks about the people who work at her community.
“The staff here is absolutely marvelous,” says Martha. “During my tour, I fell in love with the community because the employees are so kind and fun.”
2. Ask about employee training.
How are staff members educated upon hire to provide services to older adults?
Holiday invests in thousands of hours of training each year, through programs ranging from a blended learning approach, proprietary module creation, continuing education and leadership development.
3. Ask how employees are recognized for outstanding service and tenure.
How does the community reward and retain quality employees?
Holiday recognizes employee longevity and high achievement in customer satisfaction through the Atria Rewards® program. This gives eligible employees extra money in their paycheck, along with community celebrations, to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication to residents.
The Exceptional Service Award (ESA) recognizes employees nominated by community leadership who go above and beyond their job description to positively affect residents, fellow employees and the community as a whole.
4. Ask how the community promotes employees’ growth.
Does the community encourage career development for its staff?
Holiday’s tuition reimbursement program provides full-time employees with up to $5,250 a year for approved courses that count toward earning degrees and certifications.
And every year, the Ronnie Boatman Scholarship Program awards scholarship funds to family members of Holiday employees to help them pursue higher education.
5. Ask about quality assurance.
Are there established procedures in place that help ensure quality?
Holiday adheres to a well-established Quality Enhancement (QE) program, which sets high standards across all communities.
The QE program is an internal audit system with more than 400 indicators, designed to drive excellence in all aspects of community life – from resident care and dining to cleanliness and safety. The program not only impacts resident experiences but also creates an environment where employees can thrive, grow their careers and take pride in their work.
General Manager Antoinette McDowell, who has been with Holiday Forsyth Court since 2012, credits the QE program with helping her team refine its approach.
“The biggest difference now is that quality isn’t something we scramble for – it’s just how we operate,” Antoinette explains. “We’ve built habits that ensure we’re always at our best, and that consistency strengthens the entire Holiday brand while making this a rewarding place to work.”
Antoinette’s journey demonstrates the career growth opportunities offered to dedicated employees. Starting as part of the waitstaff, she later worked in the kitchen as a utility worker and sous chef and then moved into leadership as Hospitality Manager before becoming General Manager.
“I just fell in love with the work,” says Antoinette. “Or rather, I fell in love with who the work is for.”
Experience the Holiday difference firsthand. Schedule a tour.
If you’re searching for independent living with engaged staff or retirement communities with satisfied employees, you’ll want to experience the environment firsthand.
Use our community search tool to find a Holiday location near you. Schedule a tour, meet our team and see what a happy, supportive community feels like.
Because great places to live are also great places to work.
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