At Atria, we know meaningful careers happen when people have the right opportunities to grow. That’s why each year we ask our team members directly what matters most to them through our Employee Engagement Survey – because the people who bring our communities to life have the best insights into how we can improve.
One message has come through consistently: Our employees want opportunities to grow in their careers with us. They want to learn new skills and reach for what’s next. That’s why we created Journeys – a formal training and development program designed to meet that desire head-on.
“We created Journeys to reflect what we were hearing,” says Heather Cunningham, Atria’s Senior Director of Talent Development. “There’s nothing more gratifying than seeing people take charge of their career growth, and Journeys is about making sure they don’t have to do it alone.”
Launched earlier this year, Journeys is already making an impact. Across Atria’s brands, there has been a rise in one-year employee retention, and seven participants in the Rise component program have earned internal promotions.
Four Stages, One Purpose: Helping Employees Grow
Origins is where the journey begins. Designed for onboarding, Origins focuses on making sure new team members feel welcomed, prepared and connected. With learning tools like Atria University, hands-on guidance from peers and a strong sense of community, Origins helps new hires understand how their role fits into the bigger picture.
Mastery is for individuals who want to shape their own growth. Participants work with their supervisors to set goals, dive deep into subjects that interest them most and take advantage of learning tools – from self-study to the tuition reimbursement program.
Rise is a six-month development program for new or aspiring people leaders. Each month includes a full-day session with a professional instructor, followed by real-world application, mentorship and one-on-one coaching. Participants leave with practical leadership skills – and often new roles to go with them.
Lead supports seasoned supervisors who want to keep growing. Participants receive advanced training, engage in leadership coaching, and play key roles in mentoring others and training the next generation of leaders.
Growth You Can Feel Good About
For Heather, seeing the early results of Journeys has been deeply meaningful.
“What excites me most is watching both our people and our program grow together,” she says. “Just as our participants are evolving in their careers, Journeys itself continues to develop and adapt. We’re constantly learning what works best and refining our approach. It’s this spirit of continuous growth that I hope will define Journeys for years to come.”
Wherever you are on your career path, the Journeys program offers a way forward – one that’s built on learning, support and the belief that people belong in roles where they can thrive.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore open positions and learn more about how Journeys can support your growth at Atria Careers.