RFBI recognised as one of Australia’s Best Places to Work for 2026

• RFBI News

Sonia Lim 24 Jul 2026

RFBI has been recognised as one of The Australian’s Best Places to Work 2026, earning a Top High-Flyer ranking in the Big and Very Big Organisations category.

The national recognition, based on independent employee feedback and workplace engagement data, reflects RFBI’s ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued and empowered to deliver exceptional care to older Australians.

Chief Executive Officer Frank Price said the recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the people who know RFBI best – its employees.

“Aged care is, first and foremost, a business of people looking after people,” Mr Price said.

“Every interaction our residents, clients and families have with RFBI is shaped by the people who work here. Creating an environment where our employees feel supported isn’t just important for our workforce – it’s fundamental to the quality of care and services we provide every day.”

The recognition is based on results from an independent WorkL employee engagement assessment, where RFBI achieved an overall engagement score of 80%, outperforming the Health & Social Care benchmark and earning an Excellent workplace rating.

The results also demonstrated strong employee loyalty, with just 12% of employees identified as being at high risk of leaving, compared with 41% across both the Health & Social Care sector and global benchmark groups.

Employees also reported a strong sense of pride and purpose, with:

• 84% proud to work for RFBI
• 88% saying they do something worthwhile
• 81% willing to recommend RFBI as a place to work

These results reflect RFBI’s continued investment in creating a positive employee experience. Through initiatives such as RFBI Thrive, the FRUIT workplace culture program, the Employee Wellness and Benefits Program, professional development pathways, scholarships, and recognition programs including the annual Showcase Awards and Years of Service program, RFBI continues to invest in the wellbeing, development and recognition of its people.

The organisation’s focus on employee wellbeing is also reflected in the survey findings, with only 18% of employees considered at risk of poor wellbeing, compared with 39% across both the Health & Social Care sector and global benchmark groups.

Chief Marketing Officer Alana Parker said creating a great workplace is not the result of a single initiative, but of continually listening to employees and responding to their needs.

“There isn’t one initiative that creates a positive employee experience. It’s the combination of listening to feedback, recognising contributions, supporting wellbeing, creating development opportunities and giving people a voice in shaping their workplace,” Ms Parker said.

Employee feedback remains central to RFBI’s approach, with insights gathered through annual Employee Engagement Surveys, the Leadership Roadshow and ongoing conversations across the organisation. That feedback helps shape improvements across communication, recognition, wellbeing, career development and workplace support.

Investing in workforce housing

One of the most significant ways RFBI has responded to employee feedback and workforce challenges has been through its investment in staff housing.

Recognising that housing affordability and availability have become major barriers to attracting and retaining aged care workers—particularly in regional communities—RFBI has committed to developing practical, long-term housing solutions for its workforce.

What might appear to be a straightforward initiative has in fact required years of planning, investment and innovation. Across the organisation, RFBI has refurbished existing staff accommodation, transformed underutilised properties and introduced purpose-built Tiny Homes to create quality accommodation options on or near almost every RFBI Village.

The result is a housing program that not only makes it easier for employees to live close to where they work but also helps attract new team members from across Australia and overseas. More importantly, it demonstrates RFBI’s commitment to tackling one of the sector’s most complex workforce challenges with meaningful, lasting solutions that support both employees and the communities they serve.

While proud of the recognition, Mr Price said the award is not viewed as a finish line, but as encouragement to keep improving.

“This recognition reinforces something we’ve long believed – caring for our people and caring for older Australians go hand in hand. When employees feel supported, valued and connected to their work, everybody benefits.”

As RFBI continues to grow and evolve, the organisation remains focused on listening to its people, investing in its workforce and creating an environment where employees can thrive. By supporting its team, RFBI is strengthening its ability to deliver high-quality care and services for older Australians today and into the future.

Join the RFBI team

At RFBI, our people are at the heart of everything we do. If you’re looking for a rewarding career where you’ll be supported, valued and given opportunities to grow, we’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’re an experienced aged care professional or looking to begin a meaningful career making a difference in the lives of older Australians, RFBI offers a wide range of opportunities across residential aged care, retirement living, home care and corporate services.

Explore current vacancies and discover what makes RFBI one of Australia’s Best Places to Work by visiting the RFBI Careers page.