Employers of Choice for Women
Several aged care providers have been recognised by the Federal Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) as Employer of Choice for Women (EOCFW) including, Villa Maria and Benetas.
Having applied for the first time, not-for-profit aged, disability and education services provider, Villa Maria, were thrilled to be announced a 2011 EOCFW.
EOWA acting director, Mairi Steele, congratulated 98 organisations across Australia on the achievement.
A few days ago, she said, “In the lead up to International Women’s Day it is important that we recognise those employers making their contribution to raise the status of women in Australian workplaces”.
Organisations were chosen against stringent criteria for their workplace policies and practices that support and encourage women across their industry and deliver improved outcomes for women.
This year is the sixth time that Benetas has received the citation.
“To be a recipient of this fantastic accolade for six years running reflects Benetas’ ongoing efforts to attract, support and promote our female staff. It also demonstrates our commitment to creating a workplace that encourages diversity, values potential and develops our people,” Benetas chief executive officer, Sandra Hills said.
“As the Australian population ages, the aged care industry is set to face significant workforce issues over the next 10 years. At Benetas we understand the need to be flexible to retain and attract the very best staff. We are extremely proud to have been awarded this citation for the sixth year.”
At Villa Maria, 83% of the staff is female.
“Whether they are nurses, personal carers, occupational therapists, disability support workers, educationalists or business administration staff, we realise that one of the best ways to attract, recruit and retain skilled women in a highly competitive market is to be recognised as being an employer of choice,” Villa Maria People Services General Manager Helen McPhee said.
“We’ve worked hard for many years to ensure each of our staff members, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities within the organisation and support to achieve their career goals.
“At Villa Maria we also understand that a woman’s most important role is often that of being a wife, mother, grandparent, sister or friend. We’re proud of the innovative and flexible strategies in place which have enabled female staff to balance their work and family commitments,” she continued.
Other providers awarded the citation included CatholicCare Hunter-Manning, Calvary (Little Company of Mary Health Care Limited), Mercy Health and Aged Care Inc, The Widdon Group and Uniting Aged Care Victoria and Tasmania.
For the complete list of organisations recognised in the 2011 Employers of Choice for Women visit http://www.eowa.gov.au
