Happy Team Members, Award-Winning Culture

Sequoia Living asked its team members how they wanted to define the culture. “We truly wanted to know what they think,” said Martha Atwood, Chief People Officer. Using the Barrett’s Values Centre survey, employees were asked to identify their top 10 personal values and the top 10 values they see in the organization. They were also asked about desired culture.

Quick Answer

Sequoia Living cultivated an award-winning workplace culture by empowering its team members to define core values and actively participate in culture-building initiatives. The nonprofit organization utilized Barrett's Values Centre survey, achieving a 91% participation rate, to identify key desired values such as accountability, caring, and teamwork. This employee-driven strategy led to a notable increase in Sequoia Living's culture score from 80 to 91 in 2024, earning the organization the World's Top Culture award for the second consecutive year.

If Sequoia Living was performing at its ultimate best, what would the top 10 values be in the organization?

With a high 91% participation rate, team members, from dishwashers to department managers, completed the survey. The top three values identified for the desired culture were accountability, caring, and teamwork. While some staff might complain that leadership would not listen to the results, the CEO and executive team embraced what was revealed. “Everything we do, we weave in the values, including our recruitment, recognition program, training, and performance appraisal process,” said Martha.

Sequoia Living created grassroots culture clubs with line staff and leaders working side-by-side. “Every community has a culture club, including our home office,” said Martha. “And they really brought the values to life through educational sessions, recognition programs, celebrations, and more.”  

In 2024, the survey administered by Drive revealed our culture score went up from 80 to 91. “A culture score reflects the strength of an organization’s workplace culture, measuring how well employees feel supported, valued, and engaged in their roles,” said Denise Boudreau, President of Drive. Sequoia Living received the World’s Top Culture award for the second year in a row.

 

Sequoia Living is increasing innovation and improving the workplace through initiatives like its innovation award, where staff solve problems to improve service, and a planned 2025 'Shark Tank-like' competition to generate new ideas. These efforts, driven by listening to team members, have significantly helped recruitment and retention, leading to an all-time low turnover of 17% at one Life Plan Community and zero open nursing positions. Beyond fostering innovation, Sequoia Living supports its team members with programs for emergency relief and 75% tuition reimbursement for nursing degrees, building trust and encouraging longer tenure.

About Sequoia Living:
With 750 employees and over 1,000 residents and participants, Sequoia Living operates four life plan communities and three affordable housing communities in the San Francisco Bay area. Its broad community services programs include the oldest operating Senior Center in the nation. Learn more about our nonprofit at www.sequoialiving.org/about.

About World’s Top Culture Designation:
World’s Best Culture distinction by Drive, the leading provider of innovative solutions designed to enhance the culture of aging service organizations. With a deep understanding of the field’s unique challenges and opportunities, Drive helps achieve outcomes through culture so employees, residents, and organizations thrive.