Enjoy these 25 insights celebrating and honoring our organization, as told by team members.
As we celebrate 25 years, we're proud to honor what makes The Bristal a Great Place to Work® -- our incredible team members! This recognition affirms what we've always known. When people feel valued and supported, they bring their best to work every day. That spirit of care and connection is what shapes the vibrant culture our residents and team experience together.
A Culture Founded on Purpose and Belonging
1. Great Place To Work® Certified™
The Bristal is officially recognized as a workplace that puts people first - a certification earned through the voices of our team members who believe this is a truly special organization of which to be part.
2. Work with Special Meaning
Team members tell us their work has special meaning. When you're making a difference each day, it becomes more than a job, it becomes a calling.
3. Welcoming Community with Open Arms
87% of our team members report that everyone who joins is made to feel welcome from day one. As Dana, Executive Director at The Bristal at North Woodmere, shares, "Our community is very warm and welcoming. You can feel it when you walk in the lobby and are greeted by our very active Resident Council and Welcome Committee."
4. Pride in What We Achieve
Team members take deep pride in our organization's accomplishments, as reported by 86% of survey respondents. When The Bristal succeeds, we all succeed.
5. The Feeling of a Second Family
Natasha, the Executive Director of The Bristal at West Babylon, said, "When I first started this job, I never could have imagined how many deep connections I would make with residents and team members, but now it's like a second family and we're all invested in each other."
Learn more about how The Bristal became a Certified™ Great Place to Work®.
Meaningful Work and Personal Impact
6. Making a Real Difference
In fact, 86% of our team members said their work has special meaning, which is proof that making a difference is at the heart of what we do.
"A resident once told me, 'Because of you, I didn't give up.' That was priceless," said Barbara, Lifestyle Director at The Bristal at East Northport.
7. Residents Inspiring Development
"Working here has changed my perspective more than anything," said Peter, Lifestyle Coordinator for The Bristal at York Avenue. "Residents encourage and challenge me to be a better person for them."
8. Diverse and Elevated Programming
"When I started this job, I never could have imagined how [assisted living] programming could be so diverse and elevated, but now I see how The Bristal strives to create the best experiences for their residents and community," said Toni, Executive Director at The Bristal at Armonk.
9. Longevity and Lasting Bonds
Lifestyle Director George at The Bristal at Westbury said, "Our residents and team members make this community a great one! There is a lot of positivity, and I truly believe residents' and team members' longevity makes an incredible bond that is felt by families and visitors."
Join our team and make a career out of caring.
10. Warmth and Recognition
"There's a particular resident who tells me every day that she loves me and how I have made a difference," said Lisa, Lead Concierge at The Bristal at Waldwick. "I am so moved by her sincere sentiment."
Growth, Recognition, and Opportunity
11. Clear Paths for Advancement
"I started off as a recreation assistant... moved to Director of Recreation, then on to corporate as Marketing Coordinator and now Marketing Operations Manager, said Allie from the Ultimate Care Management home office. "There is so much room for growth within this company."
12. Work Culture that Models Core Values
Culture Crew and leadership opportunities allow team members to support colleagues, organize events, and shape a positive workplace culture.
The Culture Crew embodies our core values: integrity, enthusiasm, respect, collaboration, responsibility, and excellence.
13. Celebrating Accomplishments
Accomplishments are celebrated through Team Member of the Month recognition and service milestone awards, honoring dedication and longevity.
14. Home Town Pride
The Bristal communities always seek to be an integral part of the larger community, which leads civic involvement, the support of local leaders, and that feeling of home town pride.
Kristen, Director of Administrative Services, was working as an Outreach Coordinator when construction of a community in her home town was announced.
"In 2021, the construction of The Bristal at Bethpage began, and I eagerly jumped on the opportunity to work in the town that I grew up in. I was promoted to Director of Administrative Services of The Bristal at Bethpage and helped open the building in August of 2022. Being part of our growth from one resident to over one hundred has been an experience I will cherish forever. Our community is small but mighty, just like the town of Bethpage, and I feel so lucky to come to work everyday and get to be with this extended family that we have built."
15. Team Building Opportunities
When asked his favorite holiday at The Bristal, Regional Director of Sales Faraz responded, "Team Appreciation Week. There's an innate interest all the way from ownership to vice presidents, everybody really interested in listening to our team members. It's a great feeling."
Genuine Care, Benefits, and Perks
16. Truly Supportive Benefits
With team member wellbeing in mind, The Bristal provides comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans, commuter benefits, PTO, and a 501)c3 not-for-profit corporation, The Spark Foundation, established to provide financial assistance to team members and their families when faced with unexpected hardship.
17. Invested in Team Member Growth and Industry Evolution
Team members are encouraged to advantage of tuition reimbursement, from continuing education support to our Enhanced Nursing Program because professional development is an important investment for The Bristal's future.
The Bristal is also committed to the continued evolution of the senior living industry. In 2025, the communities have partnered with Cornell University to launch a Hospitality and Leadership Internship Program.
Read more about the internship program here.
18. Wellness and Assistance Programs
Team members have access to free counseling, financial and legal guidance, and resources with the Employee Assistance Program, so they can thrive both at and outside of work.
19. Good Food, Good Company
Enjoy complimentary "Chef's Choice" meals each shift and break bread with fellow team members, and the option to participate in our team member monthly meal plan.
Explore the benefits of working at The Bristal communities.
20. Authentic Recognition and Bonuses
Team members receive Shout Out Cards for demonstrating our values and Spotlight Appreciation for going above and beyond, along with surprise appreciation bonuses. Every act of dedication is worth celebrating.
Earn rewards for referring new hires and contributing to our growing team, and enjoy fun perks from contests and appreciation events.
Loving What We Do, Together
21. Passionate about the Mission
"I feel very lucky and fortunate to be part of a team where culture isn't just the buzzword. It's something you experience every day," said Kara, Administrative Assistant at the home office.
22. A Path for Growth
Team members find opportunities for growth across clinical, administrative, or creative fields. The Bristal offers the Career Paths Program to help team members chart their career journey.
23. Positive Challenges Lead to Real Fulfillment
"The salespeople I support have said it's the greatest job they never knew existed. I probably work twice as hard as I had in any other job, and yet I feel good at the end of each day," said Jon, Regional Director of Sales.
24. Highlight to Every Day
"When I first started, I never could have imagined that I would enjoy going to work this much, but it's the highlight of every day," said Jen, Director of Community Relations at The Bristal at Mount Sinai.
25. Fun at Work
As Peter, Lifestyle Director at The Bristal at York Avenue, puts it, "I get to have fun for a living... I am able to show up and share stories, laugh, support, create programs, and make someone's day better. Plus, I get paid to do all this!"
Join Our Team and Make a Career out of Caring
At The Bristal, team members remind us that the highlight of their day is the difference they make and the joy they share with residents and one another. This culture of care, growth, and celebration is what makes The Bristal a Great Place to Work®.
Interested in joining our community? Explore current career opportunities on our Careers Page and discover why so many people call The Bristal a great place to work.
