Riderwood Offers Great Dining Services Careers

In addition to boosting productivity, reducing turnover, and improving employees’ mental and physical health, an October 2022 article in the Harvard Business Review, reported that companies supporting a healthy work/life balance also powerfully increase organizational diversity.

At Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., the intentional focus on the work/life balance also empowers staff, fosters innovation, and opens doors to career development and expanded job opportunities.

“One of our highest priorities at Riderwood is to foster a culture of personal growth and appreciation that provides our dedicated and diverse team of dining services professionals the experience and incentives to achieve ongoing career success,” says executive director Dee Dee Gray-Weaver. “There is nothing more exciting than seeing team members make significant contributions and enjoy career advancements because of the opportunities they have been afforded to build their portfolio of skills.”

Arriving at Riderwood in 2009 as a volunteer in continuing care and then joining the dining services team as a student server, Shifali Kapoor quickly learned, first hand, the impact of this support.

“Erickson Senior Living has been my only employer,” she says. “I’m so lucky to work at Riderwood. I recently celebrated my 12th anniversary in August.”

As a high school server, Shifali received a resident-sponsored student scholarship, helping to cover the costs of attending Montgomery County Community College.

“I continued to work at Riderwood as I earned my associate’s degree,” she says. “I have had the greatest mentors every step of the way. I’ve always been keen to learn, and do, more. My managers, knowing this, gave me additional responsibilities, outside my position, preparing me for promotions and furthering my career.”

Following two years as a student server, Shifali was promoted to host/bartender, and then, following the completion of her degree, to dining supervisor, and then assistant general manager.

In addition to on-the-job training, mentorship, and numerous opportunities for career advancement, Shifali finds that one of the best parts about working at an Erickson Senior Living community is working with community members on a daily basis.

“At Riderwood, we treat everyone like family,” she says. “It reminds me of my childhood in India. It means a lot to me to interact with residents, greeting people by name, having a conversation, knowing you are making a difference in someone’s day.”

Shifali now also makes a difference in the lives of Riderwood’s newest employees. Earlier this year she was promoted to the position of staff development manager.

“I’m responsible for training and helping employees with career growth and opportunities,” she says. “I share resources and mentor employees as they strive for their next position/promotion. I also partner with human resources to help with recruiting as well as onboarding new hires with the goal of making them feel comfortable while ensuring they have all the resources they need to be successful. I love working at Riderwood and now I love helping others embark on an equally fulfilling career.”

For more information on a dining services career at Riderwood, visit the careers website.