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“Extraordinary Together” – Westminster Earns Top Workplace Honors for Ninth Consecutive Year

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Praises Earned by People Who Appreciate the Tradition of Giving Back and Job Training

November 07, 2022 – AUSTIN, TEXAS – Westminster senior living community has been recognized by the Austin American-Statesman for the ninth consecutive year as a 2022 “Top Workplace.” Anonymously rated by employees, the Top Workplaces project annually honors 100 area employers scoring high marks for overall workplace satisfaction.

In an especially challenging year for employers, Westminster earned high marks for healthcare benefits received by its associates and their families. The community also earned high marks for its nurturing work culture, which inspires associates to reach their full potential with training programs like a series of new classes for Certified Nurse Aides, helping associates qualify for one of the most in-demand professions in the industry.

As a Top Workplace the community has intensified its recruiting efforts to grow its employee base. Due to Westminster’s recent expansion there are currently opportunities for careers in plant operations, healthcare, assisted living, hospitality, food and beverage, administration, security and environmental services.A new Hospitality Ambassador Program in Food and Beverage has been also created, and highschool students are now working in the dining room.

According to Westminster’s director of human resources, Kim Ogden, more than 25 percent of the community’s workforce has served Westminster for ten years, and many associates have celebrated 20-year anniversaries. “We believe the best senior living careers are right here at Westminster and we are proud that this annual Top Workplace award allows an opportunity for associates like Oliver Gore and Marivel Mendez to tell their story,” says Ogden.

Oliver Gore – Constantly Improving and Inspiring Success

Oliver Gore HeadshotOliver Gore is originally from South Sudan and has been a member of the Westminster family for nearly 22 years. He has won multiple STAR awards and was previously recognized with the highest honor as “Associate of the Year.” Last month Oliver was promoted to become the community’s director of Security and Transportation, a job that requires him to manage a fleet of vehicles, transportation and security associates, as well as resident safety. Regarding workplace satisfaction, he says, “I feel respected and valued for what I do here at Westminster. Our leadership also respects the importance of family, and health benefits, and they make sure the employees know that their hard work is valued.”

Oliver says that Westminster has built a special culture based on mutual respect. “The employees care for one another just like we care for the residents.” He praises the community for offering tuition reimbursement and knows that he can count on leadership and co-workers for guidance and constructive feedback after he completes a project. “I am living proof that our leaders want us to grow our potential. I started out as a wait staff in the dining room. Today, I am proud to be the Director of Security and Transportation and I am still working to learn and refine my skills to reach my full potential.”

Marivel’s Story – Giving Back and Enjoying Every Work Day

Marivel Mendez HeadshotMarivel Mendez has worked at Westminster for four and a half years, and is currently the Healthcare Dining Services Manager. Since she came to Westminster, Marivel has received various awards over the past few years, including the “Innovation Award” in appreciation for her innovative and creative solutions. Regarding workplace satisfaction, she says, “We see the outcomes of our hard work every day. It is a satisfying feeling when you can make a resident happy with a smile and the work you do. Westminster is a growing community with endless opportunities to learn and advance your career. The benefits and support given to Westminster employees go unmatched.” Marivel also praises the closely knit senior living community for supporting the professional growth of its employees through on-the-job training and leadership courses. All of these attributes are reasons why Westminster returns to the Top Workplace list year after year.

“We have been honored by U.S. News & World Report, J.D. Power, and LeadingAge Texas for outstanding customer service but the Top Workplace award is especially meaningful this year because it is a reflection of the true quality and strength of our internal work culture,” says executive director Chuck Borst. “Philanthropy is another way we give back and connect, and I am proud of the associates who have helped Westminster raise over one-half-million dollars for Alzheimer’s Texas.”

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

Anonymous surveys were conducted by Energage LLC, a third-party research partner. Workers rated employers on 15 culture drivers such as leadership and direction, ethics and values, compensation and professional camaraderie. Top employers are highlighted in the Austin American-Statesman on November 6th.

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