Cedar Crest Recruits Top Talent by Offering Top Job Satisfaction

For job seekers looking for an all-around meaningful, inclusive, and satisfying work environment, Cedar Crest, the Erickson Senior Living-managed community in Pompton Plains, N.J., offers that and more.

Growing up in Florida, Giovanni Avolio-Born discovered an interest in the restaurant industry. At 23, he attended culinary school, receiving a certificate in culinary arts and creating the stepping stones to his culinary career. 

“Six months of school and years of working at different restaurants, I’ve always loved learning more and more about food and the hospitality industry, creating different specials, and making people happy through food,” he says.

For Giovanni, now a full-time line cook, working at Cedar Crest is a breath of fresh air.

“When I applied, I wasn’t thinking about senior living as having the kind of creative food cooks and aspiring chefs who want to learn,” Giovanni says. “But right from the interview process, I felt really comfortable—ensured that the food at Cedar Crest is special and always improving. From our ‘Grand Cuisine’ dinners to daily menu changes. After the interview, seeing everything Cedar Crest offered and how comfortable I felt, I was extremely excited to start working here!”

Job seekers like Giovanni are looking for five top factors in today’s market: higher compensation, a positive company culture, focus on well-being, and commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion in financially stable organizations, according to the 2023 Indeed & Glassdoor Hiring and Workplace Trends Report.

Giovanni appreciates Cedar Crest’s focus on culture and its core promises to team members, including financial stability, vibrant work experience, and commitment to health and well-being.

“I’ve been in the line cook position for about four months, and I’m constantly getting reassurance from my management team that I’m needed and how much of an impact I’ve made,” Giovanni says. “I’m also completing Erickson classes for the sous chef position, which I hope to eventually move into.”

That friendly, supportive atmosphere at Cedar Crest is built on a foundation of meaningful relationships between residents and co-workers, providing a complete workplace experience to more than 1,000 team members like Giovanni. Cedar Crest offers employees more than just a job; it provides opportunities and support for achieving their goals through further education, professional development, a healthy work-life balance, and more.

Cedar Crest offers unique perks such as Annual Well-Being Visits, on-site Employee Health and Well-Being Centers, and access to wellness workshops, fitness challenges, and health trackers via the Health Advocate app. The Wellness Fund reimburses team members enrolled in an Erickson Senior Living medical plan up to $260 for wellness expenses, including help paying for gym memberships, running shoes, a Fitbit, massages, and more.

Plus, a robust program at Erickson Senior Living communities include employee-driven committees, educating, raising awareness, and coordinating events around diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion.

“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. “So, we take the hiring process very seriously, identifying the best people. As a growth company with a bright future, we strive to be the employer of choice by providing an unparalleled workplace experience.”

Giovanni agrees. 

“Erickson has done so much for me. I would love to move up as much as possible in dining to make a difference for aspiring chefs like me and our residents. I love showcasing new foods and making people happy,” he says. “Cedar Crest has allowed me to grow and feel comfortable in my passion. I love coming to work!”

Interested in beginning a career at Cedar Crest? Visit our careers website to search for available positions and apply online.