New era in aged care: Engaging the next generation of the workforce
A surprising evolution is taking place in the aged care industry – one that’s drawing in a younger workforce.
The average age of workers in the aged care sector is steadily dropping, with recent data highlighting a clear trend.
According to the Australian Government’s 2020 Aged Care Workforce Census Report, 52 per cent of the direct care workforce, including nurses and personal care workers, are now under 40 years of age.
This marks a significant jump from 35 per cent in the 2016 census, reflecting a growing shift toward a younger demographic in aged care.
This change is not confined to direct care roles; corporate roles are also seeing an influx of younger professionals.
Innovation, technology and property development across the sector are helping to attract the next generation of employees who are eager to bring fresh ideas, a forward-thinking mindset and a passion for purpose to the industry.
Tim Chia, CEO of Lutheran Homes Group, has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of this evolving workforce.
Recognised in InDaily’s 40 Under 40 Awards in 2020, Chia has seen an increasing number of younger employees join both frontline and corporate roles at Lutheran Homes Group.
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“Integrating the next generation of employees into our organisation has proven to be highly beneficial,” Chia said.
“They bring new perspectives and a strong focus on innovation, as demonstrated by our Digital Uplift Program that seeks to ensure that our technology and systems remain relevant and continue to serve the needs of our workforce now and in the future.
“This collaboration reflects the increasing presence of younger talent in the aged care sector, while also emphasising the importance of experience in driving our ongoing success.”
CEO Tim Chia
This shift is also evident in leadership roles. Chia points to the organisation’s chief operating officer Kristian Roocke, and marketing and communications manager Brittany Rutherford, both of whom would have otherwise pursued ongoing careers in professional services but have chosen to apply their skills and expertise in a for-purpose, people-centred environment.
“You’re seeing more and more people, particularly those in the early stages of their careers, move from traditional professional services roles into the profit-for-purpose sector,” said Chia, who himself commenced his career in both accounting and property professional services firms.
“These individuals are eager to make an impact earlier in their careers, developing their skills and contributing to the sector’s growth.”
In recent years, Lutheran Homes Group has made significant strides in evolving its brand and has embraced a dynamic and contemporary approach to modernise perceptions of the aged care sector.
“We are bringing a fresh, modern brand that reflects the innovative, purpose-driven work we do every day,” Chia said.
“We are redefining what it means to work in aged care, making it an attractive and meaningful choice for the next generation of professionals.”
This evolving workforce and the organisation’s rebranding efforts are just some of the many transformations happening at Lutheran Homes Group, which was formed in 2022 from the merger of LHI Retirement Services and Fullarton Lutheran Homes.
The organisation currently serves over 1600 South Australians, supported by a dedicated team of more than 1200 staff and volunteers.
In recent years, Lutheran Homes Group has focused on improving its financial performance and organisational culture.
“We’ve really concentrated on the commercial levers that drive our business’ profitability,” Chia said.
“As of 30 June last year, we achieved total revenue of more than $90 million, up from $35 million only three years ago, with a significant turnaround in profitability to support our ongoing investment in our people and our infrastructure.”
“A key factor in our success has been cultivating a positive, supportive work environment.
“When you create an environment – both culturally and physically – that people want to be part of, where they feel a sense of belonging and are motivated to give their best, it naturally leads to better outcomes.
“In our case, that means delivering high-quality care for residents and building a thriving organisation with a truly sustainable future.'”
Lutheran Homes Group is also undertaking significant capital upgrade projects, with extensive refurbishment work underway at its Glynde site, which features approximately 270 retirement units, a large community centre, café and a 110-bed aged care facility.
Similar upgrade works are scheduled to occur at the organisation’s Hope Valley site later this year, where there are close to 300 retirement units, a 120-bed aged care facility and other community facilities.
The organisation has also made significant progress in planning for the redevelopment of its two-hectare Fullarton site, on the corner of Frew and Fisher Streets, which will include a brand new, state-of-the-art aged care facility and significant retirement living accommodation.
With a new generation of employees bringing fresh energy and ideas to the sector, Lutheran Homes Group is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of aged care.
