For the seventh year in a row the Bethany Care Society has been named one of Alberta’s Top 65 employers.
“That tells me it isn’t a fluke,” said Darrell Lang, vice president of human resources for the society, of the repeat win. “It’s been something we strive to be recognized for.”
Lang said the emphasis put on helping employees move forward and become better at their role through both in-house education and by education assistance that helps financially as employees pursue post-secondary education put the society above other employers.
He said the society also helps employees’ children reach their goals by offering two $1,500 bursaries a year. The society also provides two scholarships to Bow Valley College and two to Red Deer College for licensed practical nursing students.
Bethany Care Society has locations in Cochrane, Airdrie, Sylvan Lake, Red Deer, Calgary and High River and provides a variety of housing and care options for seniors and persons with disabilities.
“I think for Bethany Care, it’s kind of confirmation that all the work we do to support not only our residents but also our employees is important and meaningful to the staff we employ,” Lang said of the honour.
Bethany Care was one of only a few continuing care and not-for-profit organizations to be selected this year for the honour; others include Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited and the United Way of Calgary and Area.
Lang said that makes the award even more special because as a non-profit they have to focus on what they can do for employees while still staying within their financial limits.
“We have to focus on giving the staff the tools to get the job done,” he said.
He added the society also makes sure staff are aware of the impact they have with residents and try to highlight the importance of creating and maintaining relationships with residents.
“The opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of Bethany residents on a daily basis is one of the most rewarding aspects of working at Bethany,” Lang said in a press release.
Alberta’s Top Employers is an annual competition now in its 10th year, which is organized by editors of the Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal. The competition recognizes employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.
Employers are evaluated on eight categories including the physical workplace, the work atmosphere, health, financial and family benefits, training skills, community involvement and more.
To see the complete list of Alberta’s Top 65 Employers, visit canadastop100.com/alberta.
