Miriam Bunting has worked at Riverside Rehabilitation Institute for many years. Last year she showed her dedication by working on her birthday. A common occurrence perhaps, but Bunting turned 70 years old last year when Hurricane Isabel swept through Hampton Roads. She celebrated by working a 24-hour shift in some of the worst conditions Riverside has ever faced. 

It is this dedication to the well-being of others that Riverside Vice President Renee Rountree believes makes it a great place to work. 

"Every day we are helping people get better and to reach their goal of going home," Rountree said. "We are extremely motivated because we know we improve the lives of those we serve." 

Riverside provides employees with a benefits package and offers tuition assistance allowing them to work their way up through the medical field. 

Riverside staffers keep three things in mind when making a decision: Is it in the best interest of our patients? Does it promote personal and professional growth of our staff? Is it in the best interest of the community we serve? 

"We keep those three things in mind and we can't go wrong," said Rountree. 

The numbers show that employees must believe in the mission here. Riverside is proud of its low 6 percent turnover rate, compared to the industry average of 24 percent. More than 85 percent of Riverside employees have worked there for at least two years. 

 

Top Three Benefits:
1. Discounts at the onsite Waterfront Café and Grill. 
2. Access to Sniffen Park and a walking trail. 
3. Monthly employee and vocational recognition events that include gifts, free meals and free health screenings. 

Fun factor: Every day at Riverside, an employee moves through the halls pushing a snack cart. Both patients and workers eagerly await the complimentary treats. Almost every month a professional position is celebrated in one of many national recognition weeks. 

Community service: Riverside's administrator was recently "locked up" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Many employees are contributors to United Way and members of its Keel Club. Riverside is also the host site for weekly local Kiwanis meetings. 

Company description: Physical Rehabilitation 

Top Local Executive: Renee Rountree, Vice President and administrator 

Number of Employees: 144 full-time; 28 part-time 

Source: Inside Business, Top 25 Places to Work in Hampton Roads