Villa Maria was one of 16 employers recognised by the Victorian Government at the Fair and Flexible Employer Recognition award ceremony on Tuesday 23 June.

The awards are designed to recognise employers who have developed and implemented innovative programs that lead the way when it comes to providing a healthy work and life balance for their employees.

“We are very proud to receive this award,” says Valerie Lyons, Villa Maria’s CEO. “Villa Maria has a commitment to fairness and equity and we strive to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.”

“Villa Maria’s workforce is made up of diverse and hard working employees ranging from Generation Y to the Baby Boomers.”

“It is a reality of life that personal needs from time to time clash with work needs. To address this, we have put in place flexible work arrangements to help minimise the inevitable stresses that these responsibilities can place on individuals.”

Some of Villa Maria’s flexible work arrangements include: 48/52 leave arrangements, flexible hours, working from home, job share, part-time hours, carers leave, combined leave entitlements, six weeks paid maternity leave and phased return to work.

“We have to be both creative and innovative to ensure we retain talent and keep employees interested in their roles,” says Helen McPhee, General Manager People Services.

“Having access to flexible work arrangements has not only helped balance the changing demands of work and personal life, it has contributed to improved performance and productivity and increased our capacity to attract and retain personnel.”

Says Valerie Lyons, “We will continue to explore innovative and practical ways to engage our employees as well as further enhance their work/life balance.”