Waltham, MA-based Benchmark Senior Living has been named one of the Boston Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” for 2017. This marks the sixth year that Benchmark has been recognized by the publication in this way.

“We are dedicated to the well-being of our associates,” said Tom Grape, Benchmark chairman and CEO, “so they can prioritize caring for our residents, families and fellow associates. Additionally, we have a ‘people first’ philosophy, and our recognition awards, employee benefits and well-being programs reflect that.”

One such program is Benchmark’s One Company Fund, a grant program established to help associates in times of need or emergency. Last year, the fund provided 194 grants, distributing more than $350,000 to associates in need, according to the company. Since its 2007 inception, the fund has distributed almost $1.4 million in grants to Benchmark employees.

The awards program recognizes businesses of all sizes deemed to have high levels of employee satisfaction and positive workplace cultures. Benchmark, with 5,700 associates, is one of 10 companies honored in the extra large-sized employer category and is the only senior living company on the entire list.

Companies are selected based on an anonymous employee survey measuring key areas contributing to an organization’s culture, ranging from compensation and benefits to trust in senior leadership. The survey also measures employee engagement. The results are analyzed by a third-party research firm.

“This year over 300 companies submitted surveys,” said Carolyn M. Jones, Boston Business Journal Market president and publisher, “and once again we are extremely excited to be able to recognize these employers that clearly value their employees and go the extra mile to create great workplaces.”

Grape said the company is “elated” to have made the magazine’s list again. “More important is how grateful we are to attract caring, compassionate individuals to our company who appreciate our values-based culture and our mission to ‘Elevate Human Connection,’ ” he added.

Benchmark has 53 senior living communities in seven states and offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation services and skilled nursing.