Working at Wind Crest Provides Countless Benefits

More than five years ago, Sarah Winder, now a sous chef at Wind Crest, a continuing care retirement community developed and managed by Erickson Senior Living, was overworked and overwhelmed in her former job.

Having worked for 15 years in fine dining at hotels doing banquets, Winder was newly married and working 70 hours a week. She was so burned out that she was thinking of completely leaving the culinary field.

Winder found an available position at Wind Crest and began working as a line cook in Mill Vista, the campus’ continuing care neighborhood. It changed her world.

“I fell in love with everything—the residents, the food, the culture,” says Winder. “Knowing who I’m cooking for and seeing the joy it brings them and having beautiful relationships with residents, it makes the job so worthwhile. Working here is more than just a lifestyle; it’s a second family!”

Shared values

In addition to being promoted up the ladder over the years, now serving as the sous chef at a campus restaurant, Winder has availed herself of many benefits provided by Erickson Senior Living to their employees.

When Winder and her husband, Jason, were adopting a baby, she was able to use the Erickson employee adoption benefit. Upon submitting receipts from their adoption attorney, Winder received financial support from the company.

Not only does she have Erickson Senior Living to thank for helping with adopting their daughter, Anna, now 5 years old, but also with offering a phenomenal work-life balance so that Winder can spend time with her family.

“I love Erickson’s values because they’re also my life values,” says Winder. 

So much more

Erickson offers a variety of benefits of all types to its employees. 

“Within dining, we have both online and on-the-job training programs, making it easy for motivated team members to advance from prep cook to line cook, to sous chef and even an executive chef in as little as five years,” says Wind Crest Executive Director Craig Erickson.

“Our team members embrace the culture and utilize their talents to help residents and each other live better lives,” states Nicole Walker, Chief Human Resources Officer at Erickson Senior Living. “In turn, Erickson Senior Living recognizes the invaluable contributions that employees make and provides a robust package of benefits that reflect our commitment to financial stability, health and well-being, and work-life balance.” 

Some of these benefits include multiple health care plans and choices for medical, dental, and vision, tuition reimbursement, 401K with company match, generous paid time off, including sick, personal leave, and vacation; plus paid volunteer hours, discount programs, pet insurance, and much more.

When Winder had a major surgery, she was able to use her extended leave benefit to be paid her regular salary while she recovered. 

“I don’t think people realize that not every company does this,” she says. “The benefits are phenomenal at Wind Crest. I’m not planning on ever leaving. I’m going to retire from here!”

Are you looking for work-life balance and great benefits? If so, check out available positions at Wind Crest now.