How to Write an Effective Employee Value Proposition for Your Senior Living Organization

Every company has a personality - whether it’s easy going or formal, silly or serious, slower-moving or fast-paced. When it comes to recruiting, your candidates are looking for a workplace that matches up with their own ideals and personality.

That’s where an employee value proposition comes in. Let’s walk through what it is, how it can help you and how it differs from your organization’s main consumer-facing value proposition. 

What is an Employee Value Proposition?  

It's a statement that shows the value a company offers to employees. It highlights your differentiators and the benefits an employee would gain from their commitment to you. 

Your organization’s employee value proposition gives the candidate an idea of the company's personality. Your vision and values support this proposition.

An employee value proposition is different from your organization's overarching mission statement and values. That messaging is geared toward consumer needs and pain points, while the employee value proposition is geared toward recruits and employees. While they should align, the statement shouldn’t be the same for both audiences.

Related Read: 5 Ways to Engage Your Top Recruitment Candidates>> 

How to Write a Strong Employee Value Proposition

First, you’ll want to collect some anecdotes and data that get to the heart of who your organization is. Don’t worry about coming up with the perfect phrase yet; you’ll distill all this research later.

• Is the organization focused on chasing goals, but always stops to celebrate success? Is it a casual atmosphere, or are you more traditional? Is it a positive place to work and grow?
• How would you and your team describe your workplace? Uplifting, inspiring, joyful, playful, driven, open, transparent, goal-oriented - what words would you use?
• What are your company’s core values? These should really set you apart from other organizations. 

A Note on Core Values

Your organization’s core values should go far beyond a simple list of guiding principles. Ideally, you need to authentically define how you and your team members operate, behave and interact on a day-to-day basis. 

It’s easy to create a list of generic corporate-sounding values, like “customer service” or “teamwork.” But these vague statements can be meaningless to the new hire and the people working for you.

I also advise caution when saying things like, “We’re like family.” Families are dysfunctional. Everyone has that weird or creepy uncle. You may even have toxic family members — essentially, you’re stuck with them. So, be careful when referring to yourself as family — it’s not always an appropriate comparison for a workplace! 

Employee Value Proposition Examples

Let’s look at some examples of employee value propositions. These examples speak to the heart of what makes working for these companies different and why candidates should consider working there.  

Potential new hires are looking for a company where they’ll belong and fit in. By staying true to your employee value proposition and core values, you can build a powerful presence in the senior living industry. 

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