Developing and Valuing Great Talent
Sedgebrook's leadership development program is clearly working to the benefit of the senior living community and, in turn, for the residents. Isabella Ney, who has worked at Sedgebrook for 13 years, participated in the initiative developed to encourage employee advancement. Earlier this spring, Isabella was promoted from the human resources manager to human resources director of Sedgebrook and its healthcare and rehabilitation center Radford Green.
Isabella, a resident of Buffalo Grove, has been in the senior housing industry for 21 years. She is an alumna of Loyola University. "I started working in the medical records department at an area retirement community and didn't like it. I wasn't interested in sitting and looking at charts all day. I made myself available to all of the different departments. I did everything I could do to not have to work in medical records. In 2000, I weaseled my way into human resources, and I found that I liked it," she said. "I was there for six years. When a position as an HR coordinator opened at Sedgebrook, I got my foot in the door here. I was later promoted to the HR manager."
Sedgebrook was new at the time that Isabella came on board. "I've been here so long that I feel like I've helped to build the community. I've had the opportunity to help shape the culture of the staff. I'm proud that I've been here so long," Isabella said. "What I have always loved about Sedgebrook is that the residents are wonderful and active and engaged.
"Our goal at Sedgebrook is always to promote from within the organization whenever possible. We like to develop and retain our staff," Isabella said. "Several years ago, we started our leadership development program to help staff members who were interested in growing either here, or elsewhere. It's about growth in general, and is designed to help you develop the skills to take you to the next level."
Interested staff, applies for participation in the annual program. "Applicants share why they want to participate, what they hope to gain, what some things they need to work on are, interviewing skills, budgeting, areas of strength, etc.," said Isabella.
Sedgebrook's executive team selects the participants and then has monthly leadership presentations with them on topics including crisis management, emotional intelligence, finance, and finance. Mentors from various departments work with the participants. At the culmination of the program, the participants design and carry out a project showcasing their skills. Graduates of the program include Joanne Kopper who was resident life manager and has been promoted to director of resident health services, and Don Roberston who was Sedgebrook's first housekeeping manager and worked his way through the ranks to become the director of environmental services.
"We are at a time during which staff recruitment is challenging and competitive, and retention is so important. We are pleased and proud to attract great talent, and then help them to grow within the organization," said Dan Harrington, executive director of Sedgebrook. "As a result, we develop leadership that is very committed to Sedgebrook, and consequently, we boast a workforce with dedication and great longevity. Furthermore, employees and residents develop strong bonds."
"The leadership development program gives the participants the right to say that Sedgebrook is investing in me. They care, and want me to grow," said Isabella.
SEDGEBROOK
Sedgebrook is a Life Plan Community offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living, and outstanding amenities. Five-star rated Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation is located on the 72-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Sedgebrook is a Senior Care Development, LLC affiliated community and managed by Life Care Services LLC®. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call 847-901-3319.