Since 2004, Atria’s rigorous Quality Enhancement program has ensured life at our communities reflects the highest standards in the industry.
Quality, or ‘Q’ awards, are conferred to high-performing communities. Employees receive special recognition and can earn financial bonuses for their achievements.
The Victorian at McKenzie in British Columbia recently received a Q Award for exceptional performance. General Manager, Becky Bissett, and Gheena Caskey, Assistant General Manager, provided insight into the workplace culture behind their success
How did it feel to win a Q Award at The Victorian at McKenzie?
Gheena:
It’s priceless for us. It was my first inspection in a management role, so it’s especially meaningful for me. I feel such a part of this achievement.
Becky:
Gheena worked her way up in the company. She started as a kitchen utility worker before moving to housekeeping, and then head housekeeper. Last year, she was promoted to assistant general manager. And in less than a year, we won a Q Award!
As a community, I’m so proud of the work this team puts in. We always want to be ready. We always want to be on the top of our game.
How does Atria position employees for success?
Gheena:
The potential for you to grow is here. The paths already exist. Every role in the community is important – when you succeed it truly takes a team. I don’t come to work stressed because it feels like family here.
Becky:
Atria looks for people eager to grow. There’s nothing better than finding that employee that you can see has something special. You nurture that person and help them learn, grow and become their best selves.
Senior living is a field where you take care of people – namely, your residents. But it sounds like that care extends to the staff as well…
Gheena:
It’s one hundred percent about people. If you don’t know how to collaborate and succeed as a team, this is not the field for you. But every person is different and contributes in different ways. Knowing that gives us a better understanding of each other and makes us a stronger team.
What kind of teamwork does it take to win a Q Award?
Becky:
It takes empowering staff to do the best job — to be the best housekeeper or kitchen utility worker that they can be. Taking pride in your workplace translates to residents being proud of the community they live in.
Gheena:
I tell our staff to treat each other not just as a team, but like a family, since family members always help each other. Whether in or out of the office, I make sure we help each other to fulfill all those goals we have on a certain day. Because if you are not there to back them up, your team will fail.
What kind of attention to detail does it take to win?
Becky:
An incredible amount! The auditor’s job is to scrutinize every part of our community. We don’t look at it as a negative. We see it as an opportunity to prove we do things the right way. And if we miss something, it’s a chance to get it right the next time. We always strive to get better.
Gheena:
If you’re doing a job regularly, then do it right. Like a former boss once told me, “put your foot on the pedal and don’t stop.”