Resthaven - Empowering People

Formal recognition programs, flexible work arrangements, increased rates of pay and additional leave entitlements are just some of the transformations Resthaven’s Executive Manager People & Culture, Sylvia Powell, has championed since joining Resthaven in 2020.

Coming on board soon after the appointment of CEO Darren Birbeck, the pair have worked together with the executive management team to boost the culture and conditions at Resthaven. They each strongly believe in workforce development and in celebrating the success of others. This International Women’s Day they are doing just that, while continuing to take steps to question unconscious bias, challenge discrimination and bring awareness to the areas where women’s equality is still a work in progress.

‘Our employee make up is close to 80 per cent female,’ Sylvia says. ‘When we brought in our flexible work arrangement policy, it made such a difference to so many people. Employees have said to me they are now able to continue to work because they have the flexibility to meet their other commitments. This has had a positive financial impact on them, which they link to Resthaven and its flexible work policy.’

Sylvia knows firsthand the difference flexibility can make.

‘Like many parents, when I returned to work after having children, I had caring responsibilities that meant I couldn’t return to a typical Monday-Friday, 9-5 role,’ Sylvia says. ‘A manager provided the support I needed at the time and offered me a different role that suited my circumstances – it made all the difference.’

Sylvia is also proud to have introduced Domestic Violence leave at Resthaven and to continue to raise awareness of the issue. She advocates for the United Nations Women’s Program UNiTE, which supports the end of violence against women and girls.

‘As well as the leave benefits, we support our managers with domestic violence awareness training and toolbox kits,’ Sylvia says. ‘Increasing this awareness is so important, as it supports our people to assist clients or residents who may have been experienced domestic violence.’

Resthaven has also recently been recognised for its exceptional pay and conditions for nurses, by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation.

‘We pay above award rates and our nursing conditions have been recognised as being exceptional in the sector,’ Sylvia says. ‘We also have a strong focus on promotion from within, encouraging our employees to take the opportunities available to them with study and training allowances, and support to apply for promotional roles. We have internal development programs such as Future Leaders, Emerging Leaders, and Aspiring Leaders that includes the Team Talent Showcase.’

These initiatives are championed by Darren who, along with Sylvia, has a real passion to develop the next generation.

In addition to the work being done for employees of Resthaven, Sylvia is committed to the sponsorship of a number of scholarship programs across the three South Australian universities.

‘Through Resthaven’s scholarship program, we can uplift the provision of aged care,’ Sylvia says. ‘The messages we receive from those who are awarded Resthaven scholarships are very powerful. Funding for their education has made a world of difference, and we have been able to make a real impact on other people’s lives through the scholarships Resthaven provides.’

But, as Sylvia says, it’s not always a grand gesture that changes the course of someone’s career.

‘Our words matter,’ Sylvia says. ‘They can empower others to achieve greatness. When I look back at my own career trajectory, there have been key mentors and supporters who have guided me to achieve my own goals. Now, when I look forward at people starting out in their career, I think “what are the seeds that we can sow now that will help them down the track?”’

Working in People and Culture for over 38-years, the past nine years in the aged care sector, Sylvia says there has never been a time when she has considered a different vocation.

‘I love it so much,’ Sylvia says. ‘I love the people and the opportunity to recognise the work they do. Resthaven is an organisation full of people who look after each other – a group of enablers. There is great trust in and of our teams, and as managers, we enable employees to be their best.’

‘I see the support of people within an organisation as being so critical,’ Sylvia says. ‘You can always have good people, but with outstanding culture you can move it from good to great.’

Resthaven is a bronze sponsor of the Adelaide International Women’s Day Breakfast, supporting UN Women Australia.