server

cook

housekeeper

dishwasher

nursing assistant

Mather

Receiving an offer to work at Mather was initially an exciting opportunity. The promise of a starting wage of $22.50 per hour and company-provided benefits made the position seem especially appealing, particularly since it’s a no-tipping establishment. However, the reality of the job turned out to be far more stressful than expected.

One key point for potential employees to be aware of is the classification system: despite working full-time hours (often 40+ hours per week), restaurant staff and janitorial team members are only classified as part-time employees. This means your eligibility for benefits is extremely limited and not what it seems during the hiring process. The company keeps the terms of employment vague, and it becomes clear over time that this classification is intentional.

Staffing is another major issue. When the restaurant is short-staffed—which happens often—management relies on a temp agency to fill in positions on the floor. Unfortunately, many of these temporary workers lack proper training or commitment to quality service, and it directly affects the team's performance and guest experience. Despite repeated issues, managers rarely address the problem or hold temps accountable, which adds more pressure to the permanent staff.

On top of that, the management style leaves a lot to be desired. Floor managers are rarely present on the floor, and when they are, they tend to avoid interacting with residents. In situations where issues arise—often due to circumstances outside of the control of servers or kitchen staff—management is quick to shift blame rather than offer support or solutions. Many of the floor managers also struggle to manage their emotions professionally. Emotional outbursts, passive-aggressive behavior, and inconsistent communication create a tense and unstable work environment, especially during high-stress moments.

While there are a few positives (such as the base pay), I would advise future applicants to ask detailed questions about scheduling, employee classification, and team dynamics before accepting a position. The job might be suitable for someone looking for short-term income, but those seeking long-term growth, consistent support, or a healthy work culture may want to explore other options.

I have learned & grown so much professionally not only because of my experiences at Mather, but because of the opportunities that management has given me during my tenure with the organization. 

Our CEO is an incredible person who fosters in us a drive for forward-thinking ideas – ultimately, all to provide better experiences, services, and programs for those we serve (including for employees). 

The benefits at Mather are abundant, from dollars each year for wellness opportunities in “Learning to Age Well” bucks program, robust paid time off, insurance benefits, 401K matching, tuition reimbursement, and more! Plus, they care throughout the year creating uniquely Mather moments for employees – such as through a personalized song list collaborated on by all employees, logo’d jackets, and other recognition gifts. 

Communication from upper management is ongoing, from videos from our CEO, letters/emails/texts on the latest details, our employee newsletter, and more.

It is truly a great place to work. We’re a team that cares deeply for what we do and the people we serve. And, we’re a hardworking team that reaps the rewards of that hard work through recognition, great benefits, camaraderie, awards, and a mission that we all stand behind. 

At first the company seems highly rated, won awards for best place to work, but once "in", it becomes apparent that not all is as it seemed. There was often lack of communication and support from upper management, and the corporate mentality took away from the human perspective. There is a penal system in place for time punches that are not exactly on the dot, which many employees dislike, as it causes extra stress that is unnecessary. The company does provide a hot meal per shift at most locations, which is convenient, though the food is nothing spectacular, and it gets old fast. Workplace culture is pretty inclusive, though, as with most places, there are staff within that are gossipy and judgemental.  The hardest part of the job was dealing with supervisory staff that was difficult and had power issues that took away from team spirit.

I loved coming to work.  Always felt very comfortable in my position.  I learned more about the computer, how to get around and about the programs, Word, Excel and Outlook.  Management was geat they always informed us of changes and events.  loved my co-workers, always cheerful and ready to help if needed.  The hardest part of the job was having to stay the night because of a snow storm that had hit us.  But the stay was worth it because the kitchen crew had prepared a wonderful breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon.  I worked a double shift the day before because people could not get to work because of the storm.  The most enjoyable part of the job was being helpful to the otherr departments helping out with different projects and watching the residents partake in the Activities.

My typical day starts with me prepping the employee lounge for lunch. Making sure coffee, cups, utensils and plates are stocked. I then have to cut up fruit and vegetables for the salad bar and put out the food for employee's lunch. Then I get my morning dishes out of the way before the chefs come in at noon. The rest of my day consists of keeping the dishes cleaned and maintained while checking on the lounge area and breaking everything down around 2:30. I've learned that even though I am behind the scenes, I really make a difference in day-to-day operations. We have excellent management that really takes time to listen. The culture is really diversified, so I learn a little from each culture. Hardest part of the job is when co-workers don't show up to work. Most enjoyable part is knowing I make a difference!!!

A day at the Mather is basically taking residents orders and bringing there food out to them and to clean the tables and reset them. Similar to resturant experience. I learned to have a lot of patiences with the residents and got to learn what food they liked and disliked to the point where I was bringing them out what they wanted without having to ask and that brightened their day. My co workers were friendly and worked as a team. The hardest part of this job is when it got super busy and you had to wait on a lot of tables at one time. The most enjoyable part of this job is seeing the residents with a smile on their face and having them leave their dinning experience with a smile on their face. That makes you feel happy.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The best part is the would be the fine dinning training.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The staff & Management. Unfortunately the company breeds a toxic work  culture and work environment that fosters negative. This is probably the worst company I have ever had the displeasure of working for.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Extremely toxic and unsupportive.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Very toxic, management is rude, unsupportive and disrespectful.

Helping others is how it all began

Mather LifeWays was founded in 1941 by Alonzo Mather, a well-regarded humanitarian, lifelong inventor, and innovative entrepreneur.

The Mather Foundation started out with a bequest from our founder, Alonzo. His directions were to use his fortune to create a home for “ladies of refinement” who had lost their incomes when their husbands passed away. Over the years, we have grown in many ways, from building residences to our nationally recognized Institute on Aging, but remain focused on Alonzo’s original vision of helping older adults Age Well.SM

A typical day at work could be fulfilling dealing with wonderful residents, but sufficient staff was never provided.
I learned that this company operates diotically with no real regards for the residents or employees. 
Upper management are vacuous orbs who act like they are living in a protected cult.
The hardest part of the job is the insulting treatment by upper management that goes against the company's code of conduct. 
The most valuable part of the job are the residents and making a difference in their lives.  

I had a very positive experience working for Mather and would work there again if the pay was right. residents were very friendly and gracious and the work was very challenging, I learned about many new building systems and procedures under the fine tutelage of our Building Services Director. I suppose doing set-ups was the most difficult part of the job, and the most enjoyable was the staff X-mas party.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Server 12 salaries reported	$21.06 per hour
Cook 10 salaries reported	$21.13 per hour
Housekeeper 7 salaries reported	$20.38 per hour
Dishwasher 4 salaries reported	$17.63 per hour
Nursing assistant 4 salaries reported	$21.00 per hour

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