Goodstart named Employer of Choice in Australian Business Awards

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Goodstart Early Learning has been named as an Employer of Choice in The Australian Business Awards for the second consecutive year.

The Awards recognise organisations that create leading workplaces by maximising the full potential of their workforce through effective recruitment, engagement and retention practices.

“Being recognised as an Employer of Choice for a second year is a testament to our commitment to (our teams) growth and development, supporting them in making a lasting positive impact on children’s lives,” CEO Dr Ros Baxter said. 

Recognition as an Employer of Choice, she continued, reinforces Goodstart’s “steadfast commitment to creating a nurturing and empowering environment for its 16,000 educators, teachers, and early learning professionals, whose life-changing work helps maximise the potential of every child.”

“Our educators and teachers are extraordinary – they are our nation’s change-makers, supporting tens of thousands of children every day and preparing them for life-long learning,” she continued.

“Their passion for teaching and learning, backed by research, shows the incredible difference they make in young children’s lives.”

Goodstart has placed an increased focus on workforce investment in recent years, which has positively impacted employee retention and engagement.

“In February this year, we achieved our lowest turnover rate in three years, despite fierce competition for talent,” Dr Baxter continued. 

“Our educators have voted with their feet, choosing to stay with us because of our ongoing investment in wages, professional development, and our supportive work culture.” 

“We’re proud that our people feel valued and supported. We listen to their feedback and take action – whether it’s offering above-award wages, flexible work arrangements, or leadership coaching, we’re creating a workplace where our educators can thrive.”

On 1 July 2023, Goodstart introduced its largest-ever pay rise, with most educators receiving a 7 per cent increase. Parental leave was increased from four to six weeks in December 2023.

In June 2024, the Fair Work Commission announced a 3.75 per cent increase to the award wage, which Goodstart fully passed on to all centre-based Goodstarters including educators and teachers, maintaining its generous above-award margins. Goodstart educators are now paid at least 5 per cent above the award, and teachers upwards of 15 per cent above the award.

Diversity and inclusion practices were another standout in the Employer of Choice space, with Goodstart noted for the traineeships offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators, along with the support created for communities for underrepresented groups, including male educators and LGBTIQ+ employees.

“Our vision is to give every child the best possible start in life, and our educators are essential to achieving that goal,” Dr Baxter said. 

“We’ll continue to invest in our people because when they succeed, the children and communities we serve thrive.” 

Learn more about The Australian Business Awards 2024 here.