A Year of Caring

I keep hearing from recruiters that the # 1 motivating factor for new graduates to accept a position is the amount of money they have been offered (not location, not company environment, not room for growth, etc).  Money seems to be the driving factor for this generation. 

I believe that students still value a company that has strong core values, a company that gives back to the community and has their employee's best interests in mind.   So, I wanted to use this post to highlight RehabCare's strong commitment to giving back to the community.  Just recently there was a press release on RehabCare's "Year of Caring" Campaign. In celebration of our 25th anniversary, RehabCare sponsored a special charity each quarter of 2007.  The four charities were voted on by RehabCare employees and became a part of each employees commitment to RehabCare and the community.

"Through company-sponsored events, employee donations, merchandise sales and raffles, RehabCare raised over $27,000 collectively for its four adopted charities: the American Heart Association, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation."

As a RehabCare employee, I truly enjoyed our year of caring and look forward to continuing it into future years.  It was great to see a large company pull it's resources and employees together for a positive goal.  As David J. Totaro, Senior Vice President, and RehabCare's  Charity Task Force  Chairman said, "It is clear to us that 'giving back' is very important to our employees."  I have to believe college students value "giving back" as well.  Does a company's core values and community involvement rank high in your job search criteria?  If you are currently searching for a position, what is the motivating factor for you to make a choice?

Comments

[Jan Vlassos]

I can tell you first hand how rewarding it was to be part of that Committee - and to see the employees from all over the U.S. join together to help! The employees banded together to help the national charities, but also sent information to us on small charitable events they were doing in their communities. These events were as wide as the spectrum -- from making lapquilts to running in races, from granting wishes of a sick child to helping a fellow worker afford to fix their furnace. Excellence, Integrity, Teamwork, Fun -- these aren't just four words to RehabCare Colleagues. This past Year of Caring the employees showed that they are truly part of who we are.

[Angela Chandler]

I am a new grad currently seeking a job and there are various important attributes in my job search. As a new grad, a supportive atmosphere is probably at the top of my list. An organization that supports evidenced based practice, continuing education, and research would be ideal as well. There is some pressure to lean towards organizations willing to pay higher salaries due to the high cost of living and the large school debt that many of us have accrued. However, I would likely choose to take a job with a slightly lower salary if it was going to be a much more supportive environment than the one offering more. You definitely have to weigh all the variables far beyond salary before accepting a position. I believe your first job is your most important as it helps lay the foundation of your career. You really want to get a sense of the atmosphere you are going to be working in and the management style of your rehab director. Certainly a company giving back to the community is important and well respected as well as salary considerations but obviously it goes far beyond that.