06 March 2024
International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the remarkable contributions women make around the world. Here at Estia Health we see them firsthand every day. This year we wanted to go beyond celebrating and delve deeper.
We asked four of our inspiring team members what this day means to them at their work and experience at Estia Health. Get ready to be inspired by Suzanne's story.
Suzanne, Client Services Officer - Estia Health Pacific Paradise
Always Learning
Suzanne, Client Services Officer at Estia Health Pacific Paradise is living proof that dedication can lead to an inspiring career.
What does that mean to you?
I think this year’s theme is about encouraging women not to limit themselves because of their gender. I’m always telling my daughters, granddaughters, and women at work, “you can do anything you like”! At 72 years, I’m not afraid of things. I’ve always believed that women should not limit themselves.
How has Estia Health supported your progress?
I retired five years ago after having worked for most of my life. I made the move from Melbourne to Queensland, sat around the pool and renovated our house for a year but I got bored. My application for Admin Manager at Premier – Pacific Paradise (now Estia Health) was successful. When the home was acquired by Estia Health, I was asked if I would consider taking on the Client Services Officer (CSO) role. I was mindful that I would need patience from the team as I wasn’t a “young chickee babe” anymore. My leaders have a true open-door policy and have supported my development into this role.
What is your favourite part of being a woman and a woman working at Estia Health?
Women generally seem to possess a softness, an ability to create a space for people to feel comfortable opening up to them. This has helped me in my role as a CSO as I am able to meet people where they are and support them during a challenging time for their loved ones.
Age can be prohibitive. I know I’m not the same person I was when I was 30. I’ve got arthritis and can’t lift as much as I used to but I’m able to work on a computer and I have more empathy now than when I was younger. My age and experience have prepared me to openly and honestly communicate with families about sensitive topics they might otherwise find difficult.
How has your experience as a woman changed during your life?
In my early working career, I went from office worker to Banqueting Manager at a large hotel in Melbourne’s CBD. I was young and the only female Head of Department, surrounded by a lot of ‘50-something’ year old men, in suits. I remember feeling very proud of my achievements but noticed there weren’t many women in leadership at the time. The attitude towards sexual harassment towards women has changed a lot since I first entered the workforce. It was once common for women to receive unwanted attention from male colleagues. It felt like there was little point in reporting these incidents as they would not have been taken seriously. Today it is very different and I am grateful for that.
Read more stories of inspiring women at Estia Health
