The importance of recognising and appreciating your valued workforce

The loss of a Village Manager or any staff member can be catastrophic for an operator.

A Village Manager leaving can have a drastic effect on both the team and residents’ morale, and result in a domino effect that leads to poor performance and productivity. In addition, it is expensive for the operator, and not just because of lost talent. It takes at least 24 days to fill a job, costing employers up to $4,000 per hire — maybe more, depending on your industry.

The DCM Institute survey of 186 retirement village and community managers across Australia revealed 18% are currently seeking roles outside of the retirement living sector, with 24% indicating they will not be in the role in 12 months’ time, and 42% indicating they will not be in the role in three years’ time.

Resthaven, the South Australian Not For Profit, which took ownership of 12 small retirement villages on 1 February, recognises staff at their 10-year milestone and subsequently in five year increments.

Eligible staff are invited to a lunch with their manager, executives and board members in recognition of their service. Once a staff member achieves 30 years’ of service, they are invited to the Staff Appreciation Awards every year, as a member of the “30+ club”. There are currently 18 members of the “30+ club” with Lesley Wimbles the longest serving with 46 years’ service.

To illustrate, the success of recognising its workforce Resthaven has eight staff members who have reached their 40-year milestones, with one staff member having worked 45 years.  

Currently, Resthaven’s top 10 longest-serving staff have accrued 381 years between them. In the 2022-23 year, 119 staff were eligible for an award. Collectively, they represented 1,640 years of service.