Making it More than Just a Great I.D.E.A.
Challenge
Boosting Diversity and Welcoming Individuality
Actions
In late 2020, Eclipse Senior Living launched I.D.E.A, an associate program to nurture and promote inclusion, diversity, equality, and acceptance.
Outcomes
The I.D.E.A. program aims to achieve four objectives:
- Encourage more diverse job applicants, especially for leadership
- Create a career pathway for university students at an Eclipse
- Establish two-way mentorship and advocacy programs for existing associates who want to grow their
- Foster more diverse leadership ranks through professional development and succession
The program’s four cornerstones were developed to identify and offer growth opportunities for every associate. Inclusion focuses on a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources and can contribute fully to the
organization’s success. Diversity within the organization aims to employ a diverse team of people who are reflective of the society in which it exists and operates. Equality is achieved when all associates are empowered to bring their unique thoughts and ideas to the table. Acceptance in the workplace promotes greater understanding and acknowledges and welcomes diversity into our environment.
It’s not enough to just care about I.D.E.A. without dedicating time and intention to it. Caring about it without action isn’t caring at all. Eclipse is applying a long-term approach toward the work and will continue to invest time, identify resources, and evolve priorities to advance efforts across this important initiative. We will continue to take a very thoughtful, genuine, and purposeful approach in developing what we believe are the right actions to impact our mission, associate experience, and Company substantially and positively, by creating real change now and into the future. I.D.E.A. is not a one and done program, it’s one of our values. We are always searching for passionate people with a heart for service and welcome all applicants to apply to join the Eclipse team.
As Eclipse works to make an impact internally, it is also dedicated to promoting I.D.E.A. as a model that can be leveraged across the senior living industry.
Quote
When we come together as an industry to create a more diverse, inclusive and welcoming space, a domino effect of change can occur. From leadership, to associates and the residents we care for, it’s exciting to think about what the industry will look like in the future. As the pandemic comes to an end, I look forward to joining with my fellow CEOs to advance the cause of our workforce effort with a focus on attracting, retaining and promoting an industry culture which embraces diversity and acceptance.