Cedar Crest Named a Top Workplace in New Jersey

Company culture makes Cedar Crest a standout employer

Cedar Crest, an Erickson Living-managed retirement community in Pompton Plains, N.J., was recently selected as the region's No. 2 Top Workplace by NJ.com and Jersey's Best, marking the second year in a row it earned distinction among large employers. The program recognized a total of 40 companies in New Jersey as Top Workplaces for 2020.

Energage, an independent employee-research and consulting company working with NJ.com and New Jersey's Best, surveyed employees to compile the list. In the survey, employees were asked to rate their employers on 15 unique issues, including work-life balance, meaningfulness, direction of the company, alignment, execution, and connection. In New Jersey, employers were divided into three categories: small (between 50 and 149 employees), medium (between 150 and 499 employees), and large (500 or more employees). Private companies, nonprofit organizations, and government workplaces were all eligible to be nominated.

Caring culture in the face of adversity

"Cedar Crest is proud to be recognized again this year as one of the top places to work in New Jersey," says Executive Director Todd DeLaney. "This year, during this unprecedented health event, our employees have banded together to take extraordinary steps to protect the health and safety of our residents. Thank you to our amazing staff for being part of our Cedar Crest family. Supporting a committed, diverse, and engaged team is essential for creating a community that is an outstanding place to live and work."

Cedar Crest employs more than 1,000 full- and part-time employees, who enjoy benefits including tuition reimbursement, 401(k), paid time off, comprehensive medical benefits, on-site employee health and wellness centers, and employee discount programs.

"In times of great change, it is more important than ever to maintain a connection among employees," says Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. "When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward based on real-time insights into what works best for your organization. The Top Workplaces program can be that positive outcome your company can rally around in the coming months to celebrate leadership and the importance of maintaining an employee-focused culture, even during challenging times."

In their survey responses, Cedar Crest employees cited the sense of fulfillment they get from knowing they are making a difference in residents' lives, the support they get from management, and the culture of respect as factors that contribute to their career satisfaction.

"Cedar Crest employees are definitely one of a kind," says Director of Human Resources Katy Corrado. "They are passionate, soulful, and treat others like family. It is like nowhere else I've worked, and for me, it's the kind of culture that aligns with my own personal values. When an employee chooses to join a company, they should never underestimate the impact that culture can have on their own employee engagement. It's a perfect fit for me, and I love what I do."

Opportunity for growth

Paola Camilo began working part-time at Cedar Crest while in high school and continued throughout college, working her way up to housekeeping supervisor, followed by housekeeping manager, and then transitioning to the construction department and becoming a facility coordinator.

"The thing that sticks out is that Cedar Crest gives you the opportunity to grow and pursue new opportunities," says Camilo. "One of the uncertainties, when you go out and look for a new job, is, 'Am I going to fit in well with a new team?' But you get to do all that [here] and really challenge yourself as an individual while remaining with the same team."

The Erickson tradition

Cedar Crest is one of 20 continuing care communities developed and managed by Erickson Living, which was founded in 1983 and employs more than 14,000 people across the country and serves more than 24,000 residents.

Erickson Living offers roles in a wide range of industries, including continuing care, administration, development, dining, finance, human resources, marketing and communication, sales, medical, and information technology. Over the years, Erickson Living has consistently been recognized as a standout employer, earning awards in categories including volunteer achievement, top senior housing project, healthiest employer, best retirement community, and environmental excellence.

For more information about Cedar Crest and Erickson Living careers, explore our jobs site. To learn more about vibrant senior living at Cedar Crest, request a free brochure today.