Resthaven champions gender equality and workplace transformation

Since joining Resthaven in 2020, Executive Manager People & Culture Sylvia Powell has been at the forefront of workplace transformation, driving initiatives such as formal recognition programs, flexible work arrangements, increased pay rates, and additional leave entitlements. 

Her leadership, alongside Resthaven Chief Executive Officer Darren Birbeck, has strengthened workplace culture and conditions, reflecting their shared commitment to workforce development and celebrating employee success.

This International Women’s Day, Sylvia and Darren continue their advocacy, raising awareness of where gender equality is still a work in progress while challenging unconscious bias and discrimination. 

With nearly 80% of Resthaven’s workforce being female, Sylvia highlights the significant impact of flexible work policies.

“When we brought in our flexible work arrangement policy, it made such a difference to so many people,” she shared.

“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.”

Having personally experienced the benefits of workplace flexibility early in her career as a mum returning to work, Sylvia is passionate about ensuring similar opportunities for others. 

“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 said.

“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.”

One of her proudest achievements is the introduction of Domestic Violence Leave at Resthaven, a crucial initiative supporting employees facing difficult circumstances. She also advocates for the United Nations Women’s Program UNiTE, which aims to end violence against women and girls.

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

Resthaven’s commitment to employee welfare has also been recognised by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) for offering exceptional pay and conditions for nurses. 

“We pay above award rates and our nursing conditions have been recognised as being exceptional in the sector,” Sylvia said. 

“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.”

Beyond Resthaven’s workforce, Sylvia is passionate about the organisation’s sponsorship of multiple scholarship programs across South Australian universities. She said this will help uplift the provision of aged care. 

“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,” she said.

While scholarships can be one of the grandest supports, Sylvia believes that small gestures can be just as transformative as major initiatives. She lives by the mantra ‘our words matter’ and is embracing the influence she has on future generations of workers. 

“Our words matter. 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,” Sylvia explained.

“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?”

With over 38 years in the people and culture space, including nine in aged care, Sylvia remains as passionate as ever about her vocation. She expressed her gratitude and love to Resthaven and her colleagues. 

“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,” she added. 

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

As a bronze sponsor of the Adelaide International Women’s Day Breakfast, supporting UN Women Australia, Resthaven continues its commitment to fostering gender equality and empowering individuals in the workplace and beyond.