Busy Bees Early Learning Australia named as finalists in HR Awards

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Busy Bees Early Learning Australia has been recognised as a finalist in the Australian HR Awards 2021 for its dedication to employees, family and community connections while navigating a new world in the face of COVID-19.

Commenting on the nomination, Busy Bees Australia CEO Robert Hughes said the team was “proud to have maintained a flexible and consistent daily routine for children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic”.

Busy Bees has prioritised the wellbeing of employees throughout the challenges of the pandemic, he continued, saying the company has been “determined to ensure that employees are being supported, acknowledged and encouraged during this time where (those) within the early learning sector are likely to experience higher anxiety and stress while navigating through uncharted territory and dealing with pressures that come with the constant change and battles that COVID-19 has created.”

Reflecting on that time Mr Hughes said it was a reflection of how strong and supportive the entire Busy Bees Early Learning Australia Family can be when coming together during hard times. 

“The children, families and employees rallied together to look after one another and ensured that gratitude, kindness and support was being felt across the community,” he added.

As the effects of COVID-19 remain a reality for much of the world, Busy Bees has continued to focus on the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Wellbeing is one of the four pillars of corporate social responsibility that Busy Bees has implemented, with the remaining three pillars being community, sustainability and child protection.

Having a focus on wellbeing for the past year has allowed Busy Bees to effectively implement and increase buy-in for programs that support and value wellbeing for the people at the heart of its business – children, families and employees who may be experiencing stress and isolation due to uncertain times.

The Busy Bees Employee Assistance Program and Speak Up Initiative have been instrumental in supporting employees through this challenging time offering confidential counselling and support as well as enabling a positive and safe working environment, HR Manager Jocelyn King explained.

“We recognise that wellbeing is important for every individual to continue growing and developing as human beings,” she said, “and that the value of wellbeing can be unique to each person based on their personal interests and experiences.”

The strong focus on wellbeing and family, community and employee connections created through events, initiatives and programs are just some of the key reasons that Busy Bees Early Learning Australia have been announced as a Finalist for two categories at the Australian HR Awards 2021, being nominated for both the Australian HR Manager of the Year and as the Employer of Choice (>1,000 Employees). 

Busy Bees Early Learning Australia COO Fiona Alston said the provider was proud to have been nominated, and that the dual category nomination was “a testament to the dedication, expertise and positivity that our many teams and personnel bring each day as essential workers to create a sense of belonging for all children, families, employees and their local community.

“We couldn’t be prouder to be recognised on this National stage and to be representing the early learning industry at these awards,” she added.

“Demonstrating heart, thanks, gratitude and support to our families, children, employees and communities is always important, however in light of the recent challenges of COVID-19, it has never been more essential to lift each other up, check in with those around us and appreciate one another through specific acts of kindness and care.”

More information about Busy Bees Early Learning Australia is available here.