Calvary and Scalabrini recognised amongst Australia’s top employers

Two aged care providers have been recognised as the best places to work in Australia, with Calvary Health Care and Scalabrini Communities receiving major awards highlighting their hard work and employee commitment.

Scalabrini earns Best Workplace Award threepeat

Scalabrini Communities has received the Xref Engages Best Workplace Award for 2025, its third consecutive win in this category.

The Best Workplace Awards celebrate organisations who have achieved exceptional levels of employee engagement and satisfaction as well as demonstrating effective leadership practices and positive workplace cultures.

Specifically, they acknowledge organisations who give their people a voice, achieve outstanding employee engagement and use feedback to make positive organisational change.

Chief Executive Officer Richard de Haast said the award is further recognition of the provider’s ability to sustain high employee morale and deliver strong, effective leadership.

“We are thrilled to be recognised in this way three years running. This is an outstanding achievement and recognises how the team continuously explore new ways to help our team members feel connected and that they belong in our Scalabrini Communities,” Mr de Haast shared.

“This resonates deeply with the team as shown by our 9% labour turnover compared to the 30% – 40% in the aged care sector.”

The organisation also highlighted that its employee satisfaction score sits at 84.2%, well above the 80% required benchmark.

Other aged care and community care providers to be recognised with a Best Workplace Award included Warrigal, an Illawarra-based aged care provider, Proveda and Queensland’s Footprints Community.

Calvary praised as Australia’s most attractive employer

Randstad’s latest Employer Branding Research report has named Calvary Health Care as Australia’s most attractive employer and healthcare brand for 2025.

Recognition from the younger generations – gen Z in this case – underpinned the success. Calvary Health Care Chief Executive Officer Martin Bowles said the nod reflects the organisation’s deep commitment to its mission of “being for others,” which resonates across generations.

“We are delighted to be recognised as the number one purpose-led organisation where people—particularly gen Z—can build meaningful careers,” Mr Bowles said.

“If caring comes naturally to you, Calvary is a place where you can live that purpose, while learning and growing in an inclusive, supportive and diverse culture.”

In total, 75 of Australia’s largest private and public organisations were included in the research, with almost 5,500 members of the general public responding to Randstad’s survey.

Australians listed work-life balance, attractive salary & benefits, job security, good training and pleasant work atmosphere as their top five reasons for choosing an employer.

However, there were instances of major missed opportunities. For example, despite employees stating that good training was a top four priority, it actually ranked outside of the top ten for what employees perceive their employer is actually offering.

Calvary earned its place at the top as its values aligned closely to what employees want. It was one of six purpose-driven organisations to rank in the top ten.

“People come to Calvary because they want their work to matter,” Teegan Morris, Head of People Services, added.

“They are supported, challenged, and inspired by our values every day. Whether they’re just starting their career or stepping into leadership, we invest in their growth because we know it leads to better care for our communities.”

In line with the findings of the Randstad survey and the desires of the workforce, Calvary values diversity and is committed to fostering a workplace that is respectful, welcoming and inclusive where people are supported to draw strengths from their identity, culture and community.

Enrolled nurse Simranpreet Kaur said she was drawn to Calvary’s not-for-profit mission and the opportunity to provide care in the community.

“The spirit of Calvary is very good. Having worked for a number of organisations and previously in aged care, I’ve been impressed with the experience of the staff and the training offered at Calvary,” she explained.

“I am very happy with where it is going and have learned a lot of new skills on the job.”

Interestingly, while millennials, gen X and baby boomers continue to look for job security when choosing an employer, gen z workers are prioritising good training. All generations want a good work-life balance and attractive salary & benefits.

Kim Pennington, a former beautician of over 20 years currently completing her paid traineeship with Calvary, praised the organisation’s training and support.

“I honestly can’t say enough about the training I’ve received, and I can’t praise my managers enough for their great support. I’d like to stay with Calvary until I retire, it is one of the best jobs I’ve ever had,” she said.

“I enjoy working with the dementia patients and it is something I wish I had started ten years ago.”