For Rachel Hagen, it’s more than just a job—it’s a positive place for growth and support
Rachel Hagen, the general manager at Avery Point, the Erickson Senior Living community in Short Pump, Va., says she’s had more encouragement and development while working here than anywhere else.
“In the one year I’ve been at Avery Point—and mind you, I’ve been in the hotel/restaurant industry for 25 years—I’ve found that this job has made me grow more than any other I’ve ever been a part of! It’s rewarding. It’s challenging—but with so much support,” Hagen says.
Even though Hagen has worked primarily in the front of the house in any dining establishment, she’s always been ambitious. She even put herself through culinary school—to be able to understand how the back of the house (the kitchen, etc.) works.
At Avery Point, not only has she had great compensation, but she’s already begun to look to the future. To advance her career and set/meet goals for herself, Hagen is on an independent development plan (IDP). With this, she has stepping stones to help achieve her goals so that if another opportunity arises in the future, Hagen will have the skills she needs to move ahead.
“You’re set up for success here. Leadership provides the resources to make sure that you get there,” she says. “There’s growth available for everyone!”
In addition to IDPs, Erickson offers tuition reimbursement, and other educational support, such as access to an online culinary school, as well as other opportunities for professional development.
Avery Point prides itself on having a positive company culture. While the mission is to make life fantastic for residents, it’s also about making it just as good for staff.
“They stand by work-life balance,” says Hagen, who enjoys spending time off with her nine-year-old daughter, Penelope. “I have found in my previous experiences that while this is ‘encouraged at hiring,’ it is often put to the wayside, per the needs of the business. At Erickson, the company and leadership truly strive to make for an enjoyable and positive work environment while also making sure to respect and encourage your personal time.”
“The culture at Avery Point creates a collaborative and engaging experience for residents and team members. Every day, our community is providing residents with opportunities to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle, form new relationships, and feel that sense of belonging,” explains Executive Director Todd DeLaney. “What supports that experience is all the committed team members who feel valued, that their work is making a difference, and that there are opportunities here. We strive to deliver a truly great atmosphere to live and work in.”
To ensure a positive work environment, Avery Point is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for both residents and staff.
“The commitment to DEIB is what sets us even further apart from other companies,” says Hagen. “This plays a huge role in the culture of Erickson and its employees.”
Erickson Senior Living continues to grow and is a Top 5 largest senior living provider in the U.S., according to Argentum. As a result, it’s financially strong, which is reassuring to employees.
“The services we offer to more than 30,000 residents nationwide are only as good as the people providing them,” says Alan Butler, Chief Executive Officer of Erickson Senior Living. “As a growth company with a bright future, we strive to be an employer of choice by providing an unparalleled workplace experience.”
That’s exactly what Hagen has.
“I think it’s important to be part of a community and a company where your options really are endless.”
To learn more about exciting career opportunities at Avery Point, visit Erickson Senior Living’s careers website.