Bethany receives double recognition as a top employer

Posted on Monday, February 13, 2012

Bethany Care Society has again distinguished itself as an employer of choice, both provincially and nationally.
 
For five consecutive years, Bethany has been named one of Alberta’s Top 55 Employers. The announcement was made on February 1 in a special insert in the Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal. Bethany Care Society is one of only two continuing care organizations included in this prestigious listing. “Our consistent recognition as a Top Employer speaks volumes about Bethany’s emphasis on quality, leadership and education, as well as our focus on promoting flexible working environments and work-life balance for employees,” says Greer Black, President and CEO.
 
Bethany was honoured again on February 7 in a national media announcement by the Workplace Institute that Bethany Care Society was one of four companies named as Canada’s Best Employers for 50+ Canadians. The other recipients include Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg, Wal-Mart Canada and AltaGas Ltd.
 
“Almost 40 per cent of Bethany’s workforce is age 50 or older, with 36 employees over the age of 65. Our eldest employee is over 80 and is highly valued by residents and colleagues alike,” says Greer Black, adding that there are many reasons why Bethany was chosen for this award. “These include recruitment strategies that focus on hiring experienced people who are often over 50, and an emphasis on the caring relationships that develop as part of our work. As well, we place a strong emphasis on seeking employee feedback and creating policies and approaches that support mature employees and develop them in new roles as their needs change.”
 
In the past 12 years, Bethany Care Society has received 12 national or provincial employer of choice awards, he notes. “This demonstrates the hard work and commitment of all Bethany employees to fulfilling our mission of Creating Caring Communities for the residents, clients and tenants we serve through our 12 locations and community services in Central and Southern Alberta.”
 
Established in 1945, Bethany Care Society is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization dedicated to Creating Caring Communities in central and southern Alberta. We provide continuing care, housing and community services and, as a faith-based organization, we strive to meet the needs of the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Our services are enriched by volunteers and donors, whose generosity provides value-added programs, equipment and improvements. Bethany Care Society is growing and expanding to meet the changing needs of seniors in Alberta, with two new projects underway, one in Calgary and one in Didsbury.