Legendary resort expands customized initiatives to elevate its esteemed Culture of Care and Well-being
PALM BEACH, FL - One of America’s most iconic resorts, The Breakers Palm Beach is a purpose-driven, family-owned organization with a dynamic 127-year history and employee-centric culture, where team member fulfillment and well-being are paramount.
The company’s devoted owners, heirs of founder Henry Flagler (circa 1896), are steadfastly committed to social responsibility, especially the welfare of the resort’s 2,300+ team members. Their ‘people come first’ philosophy has remained unwavering and is fundamental to The Breakers' success and longevity.
“Our owners, Board of Directors and leadership team take great pride in fostering a Culture of Care and Well-being,” said Denise Bober, The Breakers’ Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer. “In genuinely caring for our employees, they can better care for themselves, their families, peers and community. As a result, The Breakers achieves an unprecedented 80% average retention rate, which affirms our associates’ extreme satisfaction at work,” she shared.
With continued emphasis on evolving the workplace experience, The Breakers has implemented new initiatives that prioritize personal care; diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging; and education, all of which are essential components of The Breakers’ wellness toolkit and award-winning culture.
LATEST WORKPLACE INITIATIVES:
OnSpot Dermatology
Recognizing that preventative exams are key to identifying potential health risks, The Breakers has debuted a new partnership with OnSpot Dermatology - a comprehensive mobile practice that makes it convenient for employees to receive a complete range of dermatology care while at work. This offering provides general cosmetic and surgical procedures, including skin cancer screenings and Mohs surgery, in a portable medical clinic that sets up on the resort’s property.
Team members can make appointments during scheduled shifts, and they appreciate the time saved by bringing a medical team to their place of employment. OnSpot accepts The Breakers insurance plan(s), with preventative screenings fully covered.
This service has been wildly popular and valued by a South Florida workforce that resides in America’s Sunshine State; 100% of appointments are filled within 24 hours of announcing each organized session, and follow-up care has been recommended to four team members.
“Scheduling an appointment and visiting the OnSpot Dermatology mobile clinic for my annual skin check-up could not have been easier,” said one Breakers’ Team Member. “Since moving to South Florida, I have struggled to find a quality dermatologist in my area, so I was delighted that our benefits team had arranged an on-site opportunity that I could attend during my work hours. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a friendly receptionist who quickly checked me in and processed my insurance information. The experience involved virtually no wait time and I was impressed by the cleanliness and spaciousness of the air-conditioned bus. The medical staff was attentive and knowledgeable, which immediately put me at ease. After a thorough exam, the dermatologist took extra time to address my concerns and answer questions. The Breakers' commitment to providing employees with substantial and affordable health coverage, and arranging ways to utilize our benefits that are convenient and accessible for all, is greatly appreciated,” she continued.
Jet Dental - Mobile Services
Every quarter, The Breakers welcomes Jet Dental to the resort to provide mobile oral healthcare for all team members and their spouses. Launched in May 2023, this fully-functional, pop-up office features private dental stations, preventive cleanings and x-rays with DDS-certified doctors, comprehensive exams, cavity fillings, scaling and root planing, corrective services (like Invisalign consultation) and more. Non-essential procedures, such as fluoride treatments and whitening, are also available; professional referrals can be obtained if more complex care is required.
This arrangement allows employees to improve their dental health during work hours without the hassle of attending a traditional dentist – mobile dental care also eliminates the extra time allocated to driving, parking and waiting rooms.
“Employee dental care should be part of every company's investment to keep team members healthy and happy,” said Jordan Smith, CEO of Jet Dental. “The Mayo Clinic has suggested in recent studies that oral care is a window to a person’s overall health; gum disease and other issues can lead to more serious illnesses, hospital visits and debilitated health. Preventive maintenance is key,” he continued.
On average, 80% of Jet Dental clients have not been to a dentist in two years and the vast majority (seven out of 10 employees) have untreated cavities; in addition, 50% of American adults have gum disease. With these statistics in mind, The Breakers recognizes that the welfare of its team resides in the seamless delivery of quality dental care, especially for working adults who may not always make it a priority.
“This was an absolutely amazing experience. It was smooth, easy and I felt really comfortable,” shared one Breakers’ team member. “I would definitely do this again - my teeth feel brand new,” he continued.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
To continuously enhance The Breakers’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) initiatives, the resort rolled out a new training, English as a Second Language (ESL), in May 2023. Available to all 2,300+ team members, this program was exclusively designed for the resort to offer language training in a friendly, welcoming and supportive environment. Fostering better communication, ESL allows team members the opportunity to practice language and presentation skills, for use in life and on the job. Benefits include:
- Improved listening, speaking and understanding
- Heightened confidence and self-sufficiency
- Greater sense of inclusion
- Improved knowledge of business operations, company policies, health & safety practices and more
- Personal development and professional growth
Each eight-week class series is led by an internal facilitation team made up of nine associates. Students participate during paid work time for two hours a week. The program’s mission is to continue the advancement of a diverse, inclusive workplace by creating a safe space where employees can bring their whole selves to the table.
“Since the debut of this program, we have seen incredible energy, enthusiasm and engagement from our team,” said Pat Ciavola, Director of Team Member Development at The Breakers. “The staff really appreciates the opportunity to practice and improve their English speaking and writing skills during paid work hours, which helps build self-esteem. There is nothing more powerful than being able to learn among friends and collaborate in an environment of trust," she continued.
“Step Up For Students” Scholarship Fund
Step Up For Students is a state-approved funding organization that administers scholarships for children to attend school in Florida. In the 2022-2023 school year, The Breakers helped fund 200, K-12 scholarships ($1.4M) through this non-profit. Families were provided with financial assistance for private school tuition fees, or students may cover transportation costs needed to attend a different public school from the one they were originally assigned to. Examples of scholarships include:
- The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options: allows parents the opportunity to personalize their child’s education. Funds may be directed towards a combination of programs and approved providers, which include therapists, specialists, curriculum, technology, even a college savings account and more.
- The Hope Scholarship: gives parents the option to place their child in a safer academic environment. This program supports students who are being bullied, harassed, assaulted, threatened and/or a victim of other violent acts at school.
- The Reading Scholarship: helps public school students in third through fifth grade who struggle with reading. This initiative offers parents access to education savings accounts to help pay for tuition and fees related to part-time tutoring, summer and after-school literacy programs, instructional materials and curriculum related to reading or literacy.
Step Up for Students awards more than one million scholarships each year to the community, including Breakers’ team members, who have access to details through the resort’s employee app where information is shared and stored. “Utilizing the Step Up for Students scholarships to send my daughters to private school was the best thing for them,” said one Breakers' Team Member. “With smaller class sizes, teachers can provide more one-on-one attention to help my kids get the most out of their education!”
For more information on other social impact initiatives at the resort, please refer to The Breakers 2023 Social Impact Report.
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About The Breakers Palm Beach
One of America’s most iconic resorts, The Breakers is an Italian Renaissance-style hotel, set within 140 acres of oceanfront property on the island of Palm Beach, Florida. Founded in 1896 by magnate Henry M. Flagler, this legendary destination continues to thrive independent of chain affiliation under its original family ownership. Each year, an unrivaled investment averaging $30 million in capital improvements and ongoing revitalization, balances preservation and modernization to sustain multi-generational appeal.
Inspired by the Villa Medici in Rome, the magnificent, eight-story architectural centerpiece features 534 guest rooms and suites, including the ultra-luxury Flagler Club - a boutique, private-access hotel nestled atop the resort. A bounty of world-class amenities complements The Breakers’ gracious service and unparalleled seaside glamour. Ten distinctive restaurants, ranging from casual beachfront to stylishly sophisticated, showcase talented, award-winning chefs and Master Sommeliers. An exclusive beach club evokes the Mediterranean, with four pools, six whirlpool spas, 25 poolside bungalows and a variety of watersports. Additional offerings include two 18-hole golf courses, 10 Har-Tru tennis courts, a tranquil, indoor-outdoor spa, a 6,000 sq. ft. fitness center, 13 signature boutiques, a Family Entertainment Center with extensive activities for children, and Via Flagler by The Breakers - an off-site, al fresco plaza of boutiques, eateries and galleries.
Along with being recognized as a AAA Five Diamond property, The Breakers has earned numerous accolades for its social impact, reflecting the organization’s unwavering commitment to team member well-being, the community and environment. For reservations or more information, call 888-BREAKERS (273-2537) or visit thebreakers.com.