BEST PLACES to work in PA: Willow Valley Retirement Communities

Willow Valley Retirement Communities is not only home to more than 2,000 residents - it is the professional home for more than 1,100 employees. The Lancaster County retirement center tries on several levels to emphasize and recognize its members' contributions.

One such recognition toot is the pride-o-gram."

"Any resident or team member can fill out a pride-o-gram to thank a team member," said Robert Rush, the organization's director of human resources. "Recipients then participate in a drawing for a gift certificate for dinner for two."

At the department level, team members design their own methods of recognition. In housekeeping, employees might receive a gift certificate to the inhouse pharmacy. In dining services, where many staff members are teenagers, employees can accumulate tokens to redeem for gas or food gift certificates.

Willow Valley's formal recognition program uses characteristics - such as attitude and image - outlined in the organization's philosophy statement to identify team members of the week, of the month and of the year. The team member of the year is recognized at an annual gala open to all employees and their guests. Service anniversaries also are celebrated at this formal dinner.