Westminster Named Top Workplace by Austin American-Statesman
In 2020, Employees Cite the Ability to Give Back as a Workplace Reward
November 9, 2020 – AUSTIN, TEXAS – Westminster senior living community has been recognized by the Austin American-Statesman for the seventh consecutive year as a Top Workplace of Greater Austin. This year Westminster ranked 11th among leading mid-sized area employers selected from a list of 100 employers, worthy of Top Workplace designation. During a particularly challenging year, associates gave Westminster exceptionally high marks, citing overall workplace satisfaction and the ability to give back as top rewards.
“2020 brought unprecedented challenges to the senior living industry, and our country. It’s also been one of the most rewarding years for Westminster’s incredible team of associates who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to care for our residents,” says Kim Ogden, Westminster’s director of human resources. “Associates have made a career at Westminster for more than 25 years because of our balanced work-life culture, generous benefits and sense of respect that makes this community a great place to work. We also support career advancement and tuition reimbursement for continued education, allowing our associates to reach their full potential professionally.’’
Model Employee Spotlight During Quarantine:
Robin Akins is a native Austonian, who earned her master’s in nursing from the University of Texas at Austin. Robin came to Westminster ten years ago to work in Skilled Nursing. Today she’s the director of resident health services for Independent Living, where Robin helps hundreds of residents transition to different levels of care, answers medical questions and oversees the in-house Wellness Clinic with three nurse practitioners who treat residents on a walk-in or appointment basis.
“Our nurse practitioners also see associates, a convenient perk, which makes Westminster a great place to work,” she adds.
Robin feels a strong sense of purpose, and enjoys trouble shooting with other directors. “While COVID made us look at areas for improvement, it helped us discover our biggest strengths, like resident satisfaction to make sure everyone feels safe and secure. We have handled the ‘new normal’ flawlessly, taking a holistic approach to wellness, cleaning, food delivery, exercise and social time.”
“The best part of my job is working with residents and hearing stories about their lives and their families. They have travelled the world, have great advice and always bring a smile to my face. I can’t imagine working anywhere else,” she said.
“Our associates are to be credited for helping Westminster thrive during a particularly stressful year,” says Charles “Chuck” Borst, Westminster’s executive director. “The most rewarding part of the Top
Workplace recognition is knowing that our associates offered genuine feedback to help us earn this honor – that’s something our leadership is very proud of.”
In addition to Top Workplace honors, Westminster receive the 2020 LeadingAge Texas award for “Excellence in the Workplace.” Resident Shudde Fath, 104, a legendary civic activist and environmentalist received LeadingAge Texas’s “Inspirational Senior Texan of the Year” award.
Anonymous surveys were conducted by Energage LLC, a third-party research partner. Workers rated employers on issues such as leadership and direction, ethics and values, compensation and professional camaraderie. Top employers were highlighted in the Austin American-Statesman on Nov. 7, 2020.
